A focused group coaching and development programme designed to build the expertise and confidence of those responsible for professional development in school and trusts
The Building Expert Leaders Programme
includes:
- Self-evaluation based on TDT’s seven domains of people powered improvement
- Termly online Group Coaching (up to 6 per cohort) to share your challenges as a CPD leader, receive expert support, and discuss solutions as a group
- Access to our Shared digital platform for collaboration and supporting resources
- 2 Professional Learning Community sessions – Grow your confidence and ability as a leader through discussing how common scenarios can be resolved through the implementation cycle.
Guided by your TDT Professional Learning Lead, you will:
- Network with colleagues in similar roles across a range of schools
- Unpick and better understand how professional development works within your setting.
- Review and reflect on your CPD Leadership using TDT’s evidence-informed self-evaluation framework
- Begin to plan your next steps with confidence
- Use suggested frameworks to improve your practise within a supportive environment
The group coaching sessions provide a ‘safe space’ to exchange ideas, break down barriers and rehearse implementation plans with colleagues and experts in education.
%
Of 2024 participants agreed the programme expanded their knowledge and capacity to lead professional learning
%
Of 2024 participants rated the expertise and support provided by the programme facilitators as "Excellent"
%
Of 2024 participants agreed the coaching sessions gave them the support to address challenges in their role
*Percentage of respondents in a survey
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the space and expert knowledge this course has provided me with. Group coaching with colleagues facing similar challenges and facilitators who listened with heart and offered a plethora of research and practical strategies meant I always came away feeling enlightened, lighter and brimming with positivity.”
– 2024 Programme Participant
Why are we offering this?
We are a charity with a mission to make sure every teacher in every school gets the professional development they need, so that they thrive and children succeed.
Evidence clearly links effective professional development to expert teaching, enhanced teacher wellbeing, greater staff retention and ultimately, improved pupil progress.
”In the classrooms of the best teachers, students learn at twice the rate they do in classrooms of average teachers – they learn in six months what students taught by average teachers take a whole year to learn. And in the classrooms of the least effective teaching, the same learning will take two years” Wiliam (2020)
We know from our work with thousands of schools and school leaders that schools and trusts with empowered, skillful and supported CPD Leads can create:
- Cultures and climates of continuous learning
- CPD strategies that align with school development plans, meet pupil and staff needs and improve pupil progress
- Working environments that staff want to stay in, where they feel valued and inspired to be the best they can
Three key findings from the recently published EEF rapid evidence assessment focussing on how school leadership, culture and climate support teacher retention:
1. School leadership is the most consistent measure of working conditions, which in turn influences teacher turnover intentions
2. Prioritising teacher development and providing teachers with opportunities for and removing barriers to their professional development contributes to retention
3. School leaders should support teachers’ wellbeing and job satisfaction with providing professional development opportunities and educational resources for teachers
Who is this for?
Those developing in the role of Teaching and Learning or CPD lead in their school or trust.
Those interested in engaging with a peer community of support to explore new thinking and to learn from a variety of settings, outside of the constraints of national frameworks in a supportive and non-judgemental environment.
What does the Building Expert Leaders Programme look like for participants?
- Initial online baseline self evaluation based on TDTs 7 domains of people powered school improvement, followed by progress’self evaluation at the end)
- An introductory webinar followed by termly online group coaching sessions (2 hrs each x 3 sessions) with peers (Up to 6 per group) led by a TDT Professional Learning Lead
- Access to a shared area on TDTs learning platform containing tools, resources and opportunities to collaborate
- 2 Optional Professional learning Community Sessions built around improving your leadership skills through guided discussions of case studies.
The Building Expert Leaders programme will be delivered virtually across two terms. Each cohort will be confirmed as we meet minimum numbers.
How do I apply?
Apply for our February 2025 Cohort here
Places and cohorts will be confirmed as they reach capacity
How much does it cost?
£849 per participant
Discounts available for TDT membership schools