As the promise of the Easter break peaks on the horizon, offering a much-needed chance to breathe, it’s also a fantastic moment for educators to pause and reflect. Forget, for a moment, the spring sunshine and Easter chocolate (for the record, my go-to egg is a Cadbury’s Ultimate Easter Egg with Fruit and Nut – those generous chunks are key!). This break is a valuable opportunity to consider how we can inject something different into the classroom for the rest of this academic year and beyond. Spoilers…it’s got to do with subject-specific CPD!
I firmly believe that the most powerful catalyst for change within our classrooms lies in teachers’ continuous development. Investing our time and resources in professional development (PD) should never feel like another box to tick. It should be about actively developing our own knowledge so we can better illuminate the path for our students. But – and this is critical – this investment has to be deeply rooted in the subjects you teach, directly relevant to the everyday realities you face in your classrooms, and fundamentally human in its approach.
Sweet Subject O’ Mine: Why subject-specific CPD is must
The benefits of attending subject-specific CPD are obvious for all to see. Just look at the research from the EEF and TDT consistently demonstrating its positive impact on teacher effectiveness.
Ofsted consistently highlights the crucial link between the quality of teaching and the effectiveness of a school’s professional development programme. While they might not publish national statistics on the nuances, the underlying message is clear: schools that prioritise the growth of teachers’ subject knowledge and their pedagogical skills within their specific disciplines are demonstrably more committed to continuous improvement.
This focus on subject-specific PD goes far beyond simply meeting inspection criteria. It taps into something much more profound. When we feel genuinely supported in our professional growth, our sense of purpose and job satisfaction deepens immeasurably. This, in turn, cultivates a more stable and vibrant learning environment for everyone. Engaged, professionally invested teachers are the bedrock of better outcomes for our students.
In my conversations with teachers, school leaders and CPD trainers, a clear and consistent message appears: there’s a strong desire for more professional development that is deeply embedded in individual subjects. We want practical strategies and techniques that we can confidently implement in our classrooms the very next day.
Hey AI, leave our CPD alone
However, I’ve recently observed a concerning trend. Some respected educational companies appear to be promoting a vision where the future of CPD lies in AI-driven platforms focused on somewhat abstract notions of “personal growth.” The idea that a one-size-fits-all, AI-powered platform can transform PD feels, quite frankly, detached from the realities of the classroom.
For me, effective professional development hinges on the human element. This allows a skilled course leader to:
- Adapt concepts dynamically based on the immediate feedback and needs of the participants.
- Draw upon their own practical experience and understanding of the diverse complexities of different school environments, and local challenges.
- Facilitate invaluable opportunities for teachers to connect, collaborate, share best practices, and learn from the collective wisdom of their peers.
- Model effective teaching techniques, communication skills, and leadership qualities in a nuanced and relatable way that AI simply cannot emulate.
While these AI-powered platforms might offer some surface-level benefits, they risk overlooking the very essence of what makes impactful professional development so transformative. It’s important to state that I’m not anti-AI in education. I recognise that AI can play a valuable supplementary role in teacher CPD. However, it cannot, and should not, replace the crucial human element that underpins meaningful professional growth.
Champion CPD that is deeply rooted in your subjects
Let’s champion professional development that is subject-specific, immediately applicable to our classrooms, and fundamentally human in its approach. This is where you’ll find the power to supercharge lessons, inspire students, and cultivate a more effective future for education.
Explore your next CPD event that is subject-specific and delivered by humans!
