Last week Teacher Tapp published its research, funded by Gatsby, into ‘The Current State of Professional Development for Teachers’. 

The survey, which targets teachers in England across both state and private sector using its Teacher Tapp panel, had responses from over 9,000 teachers. It also summarised responses to the Labour Party’s recent policy announcements on education that relate to CPD.

Key findings from the report include:

• Teachers are committed to improving their practice but don’t always have clear development goals
• There is scepticism about the current diet of CPD available
• INSET days seem to prioritise policy and procedure over classroom practice
• Teachers are optimistic about the future impact of CPD and are keen for more subject focused training
• Format of training matters and there is broadly a preference for online flexible offerings
• Teachers are also keen to network in person with colleagues and from different schools
• Of Labour’s policy announcements, a new ‘teacher training entitlement’ proved sixth most popular out of 15 education announcements, with teachers voting strongly that they’d want autonomy over CPD choice.

ASE response

ASE are pleased to see Teacher Tapp’s research highlight the important issue of teacher access to CPD which is vital to both improving classroom practice but also to nurturing and retaining our teacher workforce.

The report draws much-needed attention to the disconnect between how school leaders are prioritising their INSET time and how classroom teachers would choose to prioritise their development time with teachers recognising more of a need for subject specific CPD which has a greater impact on their classroom practice or reduces their workload.  It is clear from the research, that time starved teachers are struggling to find time to reflect and embed ideas into practice.

We support our science educator members in their recognition of the importance of professional development, engaging in a range of CPD activity and feeling positive about the impact that CPD can have.

As a science educator community we have opportunities for educators to network through our online Teachmeets, regional events and other networking opportunities. Find out more at ase.org.uk/events.  If you are interested in developing your skills in CPD delivery and meeting other consultants and advisors we also have a supportive community of Teacher Educators.  We also support your input with policy and advocacy so that we can best serve your community.  You can get involved in our Policy and Advocacy special interest group by completing this form.

We champion our teacher educator community and will be working with other subject associations to amplify the call for more subject-specific support and professional development.