In January this year, the education world was greatly saddened to hear of the death of the GTC’s founding Chief Executive, Carol Adams. Here we remember Carol’s enduring contribution to teaching and learning.
Carol was recruited to establish the GTC – which launched in September 2000 – bringing into reality the long-held aspiration that teaching should have its own independent professional body.
During her seven years at the helm, Carol steered the development of the GTC. Amongst the achievements are an authoritative body of policy and research work; a comprehensive register of 500 000 qualified teachers; and fair and robust regulatory procedures.
Passionate advocate
Carol was a passionate advocate for eachers and teaching. She made access o high quality effective professional evelopment for teachers a central focus f the GTC’s work. At the beginning, he was seen as a radical voice when he argued that investing in teacher evelopment was crucial to raising tandards further. It's testament to her tenacity that her view is now widely supported.
She was particularly proud of the development of the GTC’s pioneering Teacher Learning Academy, which offers teachers professional recognition.
Before joining the GTC, Carol was Chief Education Officer first in Wolverhampton and then in Shropshire. She trained as a history teacher and remained a teacher first and foremost. During the 1980s she worked as an equality advisor for the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA), publishing a series of books and articles on curriculum development and equality in education, including The gender trap.
Says GTC Chair Judy Moorhouse: 'Carol made a unique contribution to the continuing debate surrounding not only the education and life chances of girls and women, but to all of the equalities strands – strands which are fundamental to the work of the GTC.'
GTC member Naz Bokhari first met Carol during her ILEA days. 'She did a fantastic job,' he says. 'I believe Carol did more than anyone else to make schools aware of equal opportunities.' He also recalls her one-to-one skills. 'Many people owe a great debt to her for her encouragement, support and help. She would spend as much time as necessary speaking to heads and others in schools, to help them draft their equal opportunities policies.'
Champion equality
Indeed Carol continued to champion equality throughout her career. In every facet of her work at the GTC she ensured that the Council focused on raising achievement for all pupils. In 2006, she was delighted to be appointed as a Commissioner for the Commission for Racial Equality.
Says Judy: 'Carol will be remembered as an inspirational leader who was completely dedicated to the cause of high quality teaching. She believed that teaching is the most important job in society, inspiring Council members and staff with her enthusiasm and commitment.
'Carol oversaw every aspect of the development of the GTC, instilling a great sense of determination to succeed. She worked tirelessly to promote high standards of teaching, speaking up for teachers and teaching at every opportunity. She was also tremendous fun to work with, although sometimes we had difficulty keeping up with the pace she set.'
'Carol has touched us all and we are lucky to have known her: a champion of diversity and a champion of the profession; a generous friend; a fighter for her causes. Someone who devoted herself to the service of others and who never shied away from the toughest battles.' (Ralph Tabberer, Director General for Schools, DfES)
'Carol was passionate about how all those who worked with children and young people can and do make a difference to their lives and life chances. Her optimism, generosity, integrity and professionalism shone through all her work and inspired others across the country.' (Rose Collinson, Director of Children’s Services, Medway)
'I feel a great sense of loss. I'd known Carol since before she joined the ILEA History Teachers' Centre in 1980. She was a wonderful and inspired colleague and leader.' (Alistair Ross, Professor of Education at London Metropolitan University)
