The Importance of Continuing Education Courses For Teachers Of All Levels
Whether you are just starting out in your career as a teacher, or have been in the profession for years, you should know that lifelong learning is simply part and parcel of the job. Whether you have specialised in a subject or not, there are always new things to learn, as well as discovering and adopting new teaching methods and adapting to any changes in the national curriculum.
Continuing education for teachers is therefore imperative. It enhances their teaching skills and allows for career progression. In this article, we will explore why continuing education is important for teachers and the types of continuing education courses they can explore.
Why Continuing Education is Important for Teachers
Before we explore the different types of continuing education courses for teachers, let’s determine why undertaking continuing education is so important.
For a start, keeping up with educational trends and methodologies is a vital part of being able to teach effectively. As education continues to evolve with advancements in technology, changes in curriculum standards, and new insights into student learning styles, teachers must adapt their approaches to ensure they are providing the most relevant and engaging learning experiences. By continuously updating their knowledge through professional development, attending workshops, and incorporating innovative teaching strategies, educators can better meet the diverse needs of their students and foster a dynamic, supportive learning environment.
Continuing education courses for teachers can also help them to develop classroom management skills and engage their students effectively. This is beneficial for both student and teacher - a teacher who has control over their class and keeps their students attentive will enjoy their role, where a student who is engaged and motivated will get the most out of their education.
Lastly, such courses enable teachers to expand their career opportunities and salary prospects.
Types of Continuing Education Courses for Teachers
There are plenty of different types of continuing education courses that teachers can undertake during their career. Some of the different types include:
- Professional development workshops.
- Online certification programs.
- Advanced degrees (Master’s, PhD in Education).
- Subject-specific courses (STEM, Special Education, ESL, etc.).
Teachers will likely complete many different types of courses during their professional career, and depending on which direction you want to go in, you can discover the most appropriate and beneficial courses for you.
Top Institutions and Platforms Offering Courses
If you are interested in professional development courses, there are plenty of places you can do further investigation. For example:
Universities and Colleges
Many UK universities offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses tailored for educators, some examples include:
- University of Birmingham: Provides a range of CPD courses in teacher education, including programs like Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Applied Data Science for Learning Environments.
- University of Leeds: Offers professional development programs designed for teachers and school leaders, such as the MA Education, aimed at enhancing teaching practices.
- University of Oxford: Through its Department for Continuing Education, Oxford provides CPD short courses and workshops across various subjects, designed to help educators update their skills and advance their careers.
Online Platforms
Several online platforms collaborate with UK institutions to offer courses for teachers:
- FutureLearn: Partners with UK universities and organizations to provide free online teaching courses, covering topics such as inclusive teaching, digital skills, and subject-specific pedagogy.
- Coursera: Offers courses from UK institutions, including professional development programs for teachers, covering areas like educational leadership and innovative teaching strategies.
Government and Education Board-Sponsored Programs
The UK government supports various initiatives to enhance teachers' professional development:
- National Professional Qualifications (NPQs): These are a suite of qualifications designed to support the professional development of teachers and leaders. The NPQ in Leading Teacher Development, for instance, trains teachers to lead successful teacher progression and development within their schools.
- T Level Professional Development (TLPD): Provided by the Education and Training Foundation, TLPD offers support for educators delivering T Levels, including teaching skills, subject knowledge, and industry insights.
Additionally, the Department for Education offers fully funded training scholarships for NPQs, allowing state-funded schools to access these qualifications at no cost.
These resources provide diverse opportunities for UK teachers to advance their careers, enhance their teaching practices, and stay abreast of educational developments.
How to Choose the Right Course for Your Career Goals
Not all courses will appeal to all teachers, and finding the right course for your career goals will involve assessing your current skills and determining which areas you would like to develop in. Some courses are more intensive and demanding than others, and being able to balance your current teaching responsibilities with the commitments of the course will be imperative to your decision also.It is worth talking through your goals with the headteacher or senior staff at the school as they may not only be able to provide you with directional guidance, but also suggest funding options and provide you with employer support.
The Role of Horizon Teachers in Supporting Your Growth
At Horizon Teachers, we are passionate about helping teachers get the most out of their careers. We can help provide career guidance and support for teachers looking to upskill as well as connect teachers with the best education jobs available. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with our friendly team today, or browse our jobs board for all the latest opportunities.
Want to learn more? Why not read more about Career Progression For Teachers , or The Benefits of Teaching in London?
