CPD leader - Teaching Expertise

Peter Hook explains the connection between malnourished children in Vietnam, a sorcerer in Mali and your school's performance.

Julie Bennett examines the ways in which SWOT analysis can be used with your pupils for brainstorming and exploring projects, ideas, change and decisions. read more

Speed-reading is not going to change your life, but it will help to ease the conflicts of time in your day-to-day school life, writes Clare Forrest read more

Do schools need to give more opportunities for teachers to realise their potential? Do teachers need to grasp the chance of becoming passionate lifelong learners in their workplaces as well as in their personal lives? Bill Lucas considers the options. read more

This evaluation of four approaches used in the Primary Behaviour and Attendance pilot study is relevant to the work of SENCOs involved in helping pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. It also identifies management issues pertinent to SENCOs involved in supporting similar whole-school initiatives. read more

More people are working in schools than ever before, including almost half a million support staff. Support staff who are well trained, fairly rewarded, and clear about their distinctive contribution, can be instrumental in the work of raising standards and enriching the lives of children. read more

This is an excellent introductory text to special educational needs and inclusion. It is aimed at trainee teachers and addresses relevant Professional Standards for QTS, but is certainly not constrained by these. The book is organised around three key themes of: principles and policies of special educational needs; working with others; and practical applications in the primary classroom.

John Liddle, head of services to education, AbilityNet East, challenges readers to think anew about the effective use of technology to support children with special educational needs and how this has implications for the role of learning support assistants. read more

Graham Guest provides an introduction to the basics of continuing professional development in schools

SWOT is a frequently used management tool, useful for reflection, decision-making and appraising options read more

If you are disorganised your colleagues will think you're less effective, even if you aren't. Unfair but true. Prioritised lists and well-planned lessons disperse the illusion of chaos, but what else can you do? read more

Important: Before you begin to read this article, make a note of the time you begin and note it again when you finish. read more

Gillian Burn was first introduced to Mind Mapping over 20 years ago while learning to be a midwife. "A very astute tutor introduced me to the concepts of Mind Mapping and I continued to create Mind Maps of my whole midwifery course. Once in my exam, I found I was able to 'see' my Mind Maps in my minds eye to answer the exam questions – they help even when delivering babies!" read more

Clare Smale and Andrew Gibbons consider how mentoring encourages the development of a learning organisation culture read more

The teaching profession needs to hang on to more of its bright newly qualified teachers (NQTs), as well as to ensure that all staff remain motivated and committed to their careers. Headteacher Anne Clarke outlines how it’s done. read more

Walsall assistant heads Mike Swan and Keith Sydenham report on a secondment activity. read more

CPD Update takes a look at the SEF: the self-evaluation form (secondary version). read more

The secretary of state for education and skills, Ruth Kelly, has announced to the Labour Party Conference that government has agreed that in city academies 'as with other schools, all teachers will be registered with the General Teaching Council because those children deserve the best'. read more

Establishing partnered, networked, or collaborative CPD provision is not always easy, and it can be expensive – but CPD Update gives some tips for success. read more

GTCE chief executive calls for new approach to testing. read more

In this article Cliff Jones looks particularly at the part that the General Teaching Council for England is beginning to play in encouraging professionally significant research. read more

Fundraising for school activities is nothing new. Only now with the pressures of workforce reform and initiatives such as extended schools and specialist status, many schools are reviewing the way they have to raise funds. read more

Single inspectorate for children and learners. read more

Cliff Jones looks at the principles involved. read more

In a letter to the DfES in May Universities Council for Education of Teachers (UCET) expressed concern that teachers working in city academies do not need to be members of the General Teaching Council (GTC).

Rina Barkol shows the importance of mentoring for women’s careers through her case study of Nira, an Israeli principal, who inspired a dozen teachers to become independent principals. read more

Former headmaster Neil Short examines the first stage of the PM cycle – planning. read more

Quality standards are the new buzzwords in school self-evaluation for G&T coordinators. But what’s the difference between an audit and self-evaluation – and how do you do it? Jane West explains. read more

Neil Short looks at the second and third stages of the PM cycle: monitoring and review. read more

Sally Eaton examines the benefits of CPD and the line manager’s role in implementing it. read more