nikki able

I have spent the last term working on a CPD structure that aims to deliver 3 things to the staff in my school. I want it to enable staff to continuously develop and improve their own practice. I want it to enable staff to be developed so that they are ready to take on leadership opportunities. Finally I want it to allow staff with an interest in academic study and research based practice to have the opportunity to explore this. More than this though I want staff to feel like they own the structure and within in, find ways in which they can be invested in, feel developed and feel valued. The first part of the creation of this system was interviewing all the teachers in my school about their thoughts on professional development. It was an interesting and, in some cases, an enlightening opportunity. One of things that is found most disappointing was the number of teachers who are full time teachers in the classroom but felt like they should apologise for this, that their desire to teach

For the last 5 years or so the main focus of my work has been the professional development of teachers.  Until 5 months ago, I was living the in the West Midlands and I was overwhelmed by the numbers of quality CPD available within a short drive.  TLT (Southampton is closer than you might think), NRocks, a variety of ResearchEd events, TeachMeets, etc.   A number of the staff at my school began enaging in these events and most would argue that this style of CPD by teachers for teachers is the best type they had. But I don't live in the West Midlands anymore, I live in Devon.  And despite the clear evidence of excellent practice that goes on I can't find a forum that gives teachers the chance to showcase their practice and network and connect in the way that the events named above do.  I want there to be high quality CPD events with access to inspirational thinkers, teachers and leaders available to my staff and the staff of every school in the South West and at the moment, wi