Conclusion : [Rise of the learning manager : changing teacher education]

In this chapter we draw together the major themes of our five-year project and imagine in to the future. In chapter 1 we described social change as endemic in modern society and argued that ‘education’ is inextricably linked to economic and cultural change in the now firmly entrenched policies of governments and employers. This is a period of unprecedented opportunities for the education sector, but it also puts serious questions to the schools and teacher education sectors about their roles and functions. As, chapter 3 detailed, there are numerous state and national reports about the ‘education’ workforce, the changing nature of teacher engagement within the workplace and the potential impact on educational outcomes for children in schools. Not surprisingly, education systems require new and different capabilities from their teacher workforce and, in turn, teacher preparation programs. The BLM is both a precursor and an effect of these circumstances.