The Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications embarked on a comprehensive review of teacher education to enhance the overall standard and professionalism of the teaching force in Hong Kong. Working in close collaboration with the stakeholders through specific Task Groups, the Advisory Committee identified and recommended means of minimising the gaps between teacher supply and demand; reviewed and proposed measures to upgrade the entry qualification of teachers; explored how to strengthen induction support for beginning teachers and how to provide recognition to accomplished teachers. The Government has taken such recommendations into consideration and is working on implementing them in a timely and effective manner.

Principals' Professional Development

To better equip and support principals in their work, the Government organised separate local and offshore professional development programmes in the 2001–02 school year for 885 serving principals, 168 newly appointed principals, 857 vice principals and senior teachers aspiring to become principals. To systematically address the diverse maturity and developmental needs of principals at various career junctures, the Government introduced a professional development framework for principals after thorough consultation with the education sector. From September 2002, all serving principals are required to undertake 50 hours of continuing professional development per year, adding up to a minimum of 150 hours in a three-year cycle so as to set a good role model for teachers in pursuing lifelong learning.

Hong Kong Teachers' Centre

The Hong Kong Teachers' Centre (HKTC) was set up in 1989 to promote professionalism and a sense of unity among teachers. The HKTC has two branches, located in North Point and Hung Hom.

    Working either independently or in collaboration with other educational bodies, the HKTC organised 790 professional or personal development activities for 108 000 participants to promote the curriculum reform, quality teaching and learning. It also disseminates information on current educational issues through distributing newsletters and other resource materials to teachers. Apart from publishing its own educational journal (Hong Kong Teachers' Centre Journal), the HKTC has taken other measures to enhance professional exchanges and experience sharing among teachers, included the organisation of an annual educational conference in February and two large-scale educational conferences jointly organised with various educational bodies in May and December.

Council on Professional Conduct in Education

The council, set up by the Education Department in 1994, is a non-statutory body to enhance teachers' professionalism. With a composition of 23 elected members from schools/educational organisations and three members nominated by the Director of Education, it advises the Director of Education on matters relating to professional conduct in education. It also draws up operational criteria defining the conduct expected of an educator and advises, where necessary, on cases of disputes or alleged professional misconduct.