As the academic year comes to a close, educators are understandably focusing on rest and rejuvenation. However, the summer months can also serve as a valuable period for self-reflection and professional growth. If you’re considering exploring Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities during the summer break, you’ve come to the right place.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) encompasses a variety of ongoing learning activities that assist teachers in expanding their knowledge, refining their skills, and staying current in both their subject area and the broader educational field. This is not merely a formal requirement, but a crucial aspect of maintaining high educational standards and adapting to the evolving needs of students and schools.
CPD can be categorized into two main types: formal and informal. Formal CPD involves structured, organized activities such as accredited training or whole-school professional development days. Informal CPD, on the other hand, includes more flexible, self-directed approaches such as reading educational articles, reflecting on classroom practices, or listening to educational podcasts.
CPD plays a significant role in helping teachers adapt to the ever-changing demands of the educational system. As new research, policies, and technologies emerge, CPD ensures teachers remain effective, adaptable, and confident in their practice.
The benefits of regular CPD are far-reaching. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement, benefiting both staff and students.
Regardless of your stage in your teaching career, there’s a plethora of platforms offering broad and flexible CPD for educators.
Future Learn is one such platform, offering a range of online, self-paced courses created by universities and education experts. Their CPD for teachers covers various topics, including pedagogy, classroom management, and broader educational themes. Many courses are free to join, although access may be limited to a set number of weeks. Some offer extended access or certificates for a fee.
Pearson Professional Development Academy offers a range of online and in-person CPD courses designed to support teachers across key stages and subject areas. Some courses are free, while others are available at a low cost. Upcoming live sessions include ‘GCSE Science: Tackling Extended Open Response Writing’, ‘A Level Maths: Supporting High-Attaining Students’, and ‘Maths and Statistics for A Level Psychology’. You can explore upcoming events or access pre-recorded sessions from past training via Pearson’s online portal.
Myatt & Co offers an extensive library of over 500 CPD films and webinars for teachers, school leaders, and education professionals. The content spans a wide range of topics, including curriculum design, pedagogy, leadership, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and inclusion. While full access requires a subscription, a selection of free content is available to explore.
Teachwire provides a wide range of free, downloadable CPD resources for teachers across primary and secondary education. Created by experienced educators, their packs cover themes such as assessment, wellbeing, inclusion, and classroom strategies alongside subject-specific support. In addition to CPD materials, Teachwire also features insightful articles on current issues in education.
If you’re looking to deepen your expertise in a particular subject, there are numerous CPD opportunities for teachers tailored to specific areas of the curriculum. STEM Learning offers a variety of free and low-cost CPD courses for secondary and post-16 teachers. Their courses cover a range of topics, including teaching climate change, supporting autistic learners in science, and improving teaching through observation. With both online and in-person options, their courses provide flexibility.
In conclusion, the summer break offers an excellent opportunity for teachers to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and benefiting both staff and students.
