Personal Learning & Development

It is widely recognised that the best way to improve the quality of teaching is through top notch, rigorous development and support of teachers. The learning process doesn't just apply to Trainees and ECTs but should continue throughout your career.

Why is professional development important?

As a teacher, you strive to help your students succeed and it is just as important to carry on that same learning journey throughout your career. The demands of the job require a perennial approach to development, even for the most experienced of teachers. To stay up to date with current findings, curriculum changes, new policies, pupil needs, technological changes and the latest research is a continuous process and taking professional development courses are a fantastic way to ensure you remain an effective educator.

What does good professional development look like?

Professional development can come in a variety of guises and taking a diverse approach will bring benefits. Each method offers its own advantages but the recent increased accessibility to live streaming of events has made accessing CPD opportunities even easier, and often cheaper than before the pandemic. Workshops, conferences and away day training sessions allow for keynote speakers to deliver addresses on subjects they have a deep understanding of. Online courses, many of which are free, allow access at a time that suits you and don't require travel. Don't neglect the idea of self study and reflection; independent reading around topics of interest help to develop knowledge and help encourage reflection on your own practice.

When looking for good CPD opportunities you should look to consider the following questions:

Does this CPD take an evidence informed approach?
Does it have a clear focus?
Will it help improve pupil outcomes?
What will I gain from the session?
Who is delivering the session?
What is there experience and background?
How is the session being delivered?
Is there a better alternative?
Can this be implemented in practice?
Does this tie in with my school's ethos and objectives?

Where can you start?

Activities

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

info@mysite.com

123-456-7890

Reflection