QTLS & ATLS

Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status and Associate Teacher Learning Status

As outlined in 'Success for All', it is intended that by 2010 all existing teachers without a recognised teaching qualification will become qualified by either gaining recognition for an existing qualification or by undertaking the new qualifications and consequently becoming Licensed Practitioners.

It is not a requirement for currently Qualified Teachers within the sector to become Licensed Practitioners. However, it is the intention of the DIUS that this should become the benchmark for the Learning and Skills sector and therefore that existing teachers will opt to become licensed.

There will be two categories of Licensed Practitioners, corresponding to the two teaching roles:

  • Associate Teacher Learning and Skills (ATLS) - Associate Teachers
  • Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) - Full Teachers

The license will be annually renewable, including a CPD obligation, and can be withdrawn or suspended by Institute for Learning subject to the outcome of an investigation of alleged misconduct.

Those who achieve the qualification representing the full teacher role can use it to claim QTLS status. In addition, those with existing qualifications representing the full teacher role will have the opportunity to claim QTLS status through a recognition process. A new teacher can take up to 5 years to complete the qualification leading to QTLS status. If a teacher is qualified in the associate role, s/he will still be able to work towards gaining QTLS status, once the decision has been made to progress to this.

(Institute for Learning seminar 2007- Impact of the regulations doc)



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