In February, the Claim Your College coalition published its plans to establish a teacher-led College of Teaching.
The 26-page document proposes a College that is independent and voluntary and which supports the professional development of its members, provides them with access to expert knowledge and research on teaching practice, and which would establish a Code of Practice reflecting the highest standards of teaching.
The College, which would aim to become a chartered professional body, will not "regulate, be compulsory or have a disciplinary role", but could take over from government the setting of the national Teachers' Standards.
Now the coalition is seeking to appoint 13 founding trustees, who will be tasked with delivering this vision.
A selection committee, with experience in primary, secondary and SEN, has been appointed to lead the recruitment and applications are now open.
The role is a voluntary position and trustees will be responsible for deciding strategy and building membership, answerable to the members of the College, and required to observe best practice in the running of a charity.
The committee is seeking to appoint a minimum of five teachers and two headteachers with relevant professional knowledge and experience in effective teaching and learning, CPD, professional accreditation, research and evidence-based practice, among other areas.
Angela McFarlane, chief executive of the College of Teachers, said: "The appointment of the selection committee, composed of representatives of the profession who have volunteered significant time, along with the recruitment of founding trustees represent a major milestone in making the College a reality.
"We encourage all teachers and individuals with the expertise needed to found a chartered professional body to apply for the exciting role of founding trustee. Those selected will play a crucial role in delivering the broad vision set out for the College of Teaching and creating a compelling member proposition to ensure sustainability."
The creation of a College of Teaching was supported in the Conservative Party's General Election manifesto and the Claim Your College coalition, which comprises the Prince's Teaching Institute, the Teacher Development Trust, and the SSAT among others, has been backed by a long list of organisations, including teaching and leadership unions, subject associations, universities and individual teachers and schools.
Peter Kent, president of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "The College of Teaching is an important part of the profession taking greater ownership of teaching practice and development. We fully support this initiative and we see it as a key part of a self-improving system, in which the profession steps forward and drives continuous improvement in our schools and colleges.
"We believe this approach will help to take our education system from being good to being among the very best in the world, and will improve the life chances of every child. The College of Teaching will help to deliver this vision and this is another significant step forward in achieving that goal."
For more information and details of how to apply, visit www.collegeofteachingtrustees.com