Professional development in education: a necessity not a perk!

Introducing Neale Pledger

Neale Pledger is NITE’s Director of Programmes. Before joining NITE, he worked for 20 years in secondary education, from teacher to headteacher. This experience has led him to reflect on the importance of professional development in the sector.

Why is professional development important?

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, professional development (PD) is an essential part of the job. Just as doctors, pilots and engineers are expected to regularly update their skills and knowledge, educators need continuous opportunities to grow their expertise, refine their teaching methods, and stay current with the latest educational research and practices. Yet, in today’s climate of shrinking school budgets and rising costs, professional development is often one of the first things sacrificed. This is a trend that has troubling implications for both educators and their students.

Teachers and leaders deserve and need, ongoing professional learning opportunities. As the cornerstone of societal development, they are tasked with shaping future generations, and as education advances, so must their approaches. The more equipped educators are with fresh ideas, effective strategies and research-backed insights, the better they can support their students. But despite the importance of PD, many schools are forced to cut back on these opportunities due to budget and time constraints.

How NITE can help

Recognising the financial challenges that education faces, the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE) is stepping up to help. NITE is launching a series of free professional development sessions as a way of appreciating the incredible work that goes on in schools, despite the pressures of decreasing budgets and other noise that sits on the periphery. These free 30-minute sessions are aimed at helping education professionals continue their professional journey, no matter where they are in their careers.

These short, impactful sessions focus on specific stages of a teacher's career, from new teachers eager to build their foundational skills, to experienced educators looking to refine their leadership abilities. The sessions are led by experienced education leaders and teachers who understand the importance of accessible professional development. They know firsthand that PD is not a perk, it’s a necessity.

NITE’s initiative is more than just a gesture of appreciation; it’s an investment in the future of education. By offering these free sessions, NITE is helping educators overcome the barriers created by financial restrictions and ensuring that they can still access the development they deserve. In a time when many other resources are dwindling, NITE’s commitment to supporting the professional growth of teachers stands out as a much-needed lifeline.

How to join the programme

Join NITE on this journey of professional development. Whether you’re just starting your career or are a seasoned educator, there’s always room to grow and NITE is here to support you every step of the way. These sessions offer a chance to invest in your future, at no cost, because NITE believes that every teacher should have access to the tools they need to succeed.