For early career teachers in the UK, professional development is a vital component of honing your teaching skills, staying current with educational trends, and advancing your career. This blog aims to guide you through the best resources and popular providers of professional development opportunities in the UK. By investing in your growth as an educator, you’ll empower yourself to excel in the classroom.
The Importance of Professional Development
Professional development plays a significant role in the growth and success of educators. As an early career teacher, it offers several key benefits:
Enhanced Teaching Skills: Professional development opportunities provide you with new tools and strategies that improve your teaching skills and effectiveness.
Career Advancement: Building your professional portfolio through additional training and qualifications can open doors to career advancement.
Staying Current: The education landscape is ever-evolving. Professional development helps you stay current with the latest trends, technology, and teaching methods.
Networking: Engaging in professional development activities connects you with a network of educators who can offer support, mentorship, and valuable insights.
Improved Student Outcomes: The knowledge and skills you gain from professional development ultimately benefit your students, as you can provide a better and more enriching educational experience.
Now, let’s explore some of the most popular providers and resources for professional development opportunities in the UK.
Popular Professional Development Providers and Resources
Teach First: Teach First is a UK charity that offers a two-year leadership development program for early career teachers. This program includes initial teacher training, a fully-funded Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), and ongoing support and training.
Teach First
The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL): The NCTL provides a range of resources and courses for teachers in the UK, covering subjects like leadership, school improvement, and teacher training.
NCTL
Teacher Development Trust: This independent organisation offers guidance and resources for effective professional development. They provide research-backed materials and have a network of schools committed to improving teaching standards.
Teacher Development Trust
TES Institute: TES Institute offers a range of courses and resources for teachers, including initial teacher training (ITT), continuous professional development (CPD), and leadership programs.
TES Institute
The Chartered College of Teaching: The Chartered College of Teaching is a professional body for teachers in England. They offer a variety of professional development resources, including online courses, events, and research materials.
Chartered College of Teaching
OpenLearn from The Open University: The Open University’s OpenLearn platform provides free courses on a wide range of subjects, including education. These courses are accessible to all and offer an excellent opportunity for self-directed learning.
OpenLearn
The National Education Union (NEU): The NEU offers professional development courses and resources to its members. These resources cover a broad spectrum of topics related to teaching and education.
NEU Professional Development
Big Leadership: Big Leadership underscores the importance of visionary and inclusive leadership in educational institutions. It calls for educational leaders who can drive positive change, foster innovation, and create nurturing environments for both educators and students. It sees education as a force for positive societal change, driven by forward-thinking leaders who prioritise the holistic development of students
askKira.com: Your Professional Development Guide
While the mentioned professional development providers and resources are well-known, navigating the myriad of opportunities can be a daunting task for early career teachers. This is where askKira.com comes in.
askKira.com is your all-in-one resource for professional development in the UK. Here’s how AskKira.com can assist you:
Curated Recommendations: askKira.com offers recommendations for professional development opportunities, tailored to your needs and interests. These recommendations cover a wide range of subjects and qualifications.
Professional Development Pathways: The platform provides pathways and roadmaps for your career development. You can explore step-by-step plans that guide you through the qualifications and experiences necessary for advancement.
Community of Educators: Connect with a community of educators on social media: askKiraai. Engage in discussions, seek advice, and learn from experienced teachers who have successfully navigated their professional development journeys.
Continuous Learning: AskKira.com offers ongoing learning resources to help you stay informed and up-to-date with the latest trends and research in the field of education.
In conclusion, professional development is a key factor in advancing your career and becoming the best teacher you can be. By investing in your growth and learning, you not only enhance your teaching skills but also improve the educational experience for your students.
With askKira.com, you can explore a wide range of professional development opportunities in the UK and receive personalised advice and recommendations to guide your journey. Whether you’re looking to improve your classroom management skills, pursue leadership roles, or stay updated on the latest teaching methodologies, askKira.com is your trusted partner in professional development. Embrace these opportunities and unlock your full potential as an educator in the UK.
