The roles and responsibilities of a teacher within in the lifelong learning sector have been shaped and developed by a range of factors. From cultural changes, greater understanding of learning styles and the laws which govern the education community as a whole. In this essay I will cover some of roles and responsibilities of a teacher and the relationships between teachers and the the various stakeholders in the LLS. I hope to illustrate the complex network of relationships between the individual and the professional bodies in this sector.
Teach tiːtʃ/
Verb 1. impart knowledge to or instruct (someone) as to how to do something.
The definition above doesn’t take into account the context of the information transaction itself. Teachers today are governed by a series of legislation, regulatory requirements and codes of practice which together underpin the professional boundaries which educators should operate within.
The broad range of a teacher’s responsibilities begins with basic tasks such as recording attendance or complying with disciplinary procedures to understanding the complex needs of their learners. Every teacher is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the learners in the classroom. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the legislation which underpins a teacher's duty of care to their students. Beyond the physical safety of a learner a teacher must also ensure they meet professional standards and observe the rules and guidance of awarding bodies.
Equality & diversity in teaching is provided for by the Equality Act 2010 which covers nine protected characteristics. It is the responsibility of the teacher to promote and uphold the principles of fairness and inclusivity in the classroom. Disability is one of these protected characteristics; a teacher is required to make reasonable adjustments for learners with disabilities based on the impairment. e.g a reader for a