If you’ve ever tried assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions, you know that having a strategy is everything. The same applies to professional learning in schools. Without a well-planned approach, professional development becomes a collection of one-off workshops, missing the opportunity to create real impact. So, how do you ensure professional learning is effective, engaging, and transformative for your teachers and leaders? And who can help?
Why a Professional Learning Strategy Matters
Great teachers don’t just happen, they are developed. Research from Leithwood (2019) and Fullan (2020) has long highlighted that investing in teacher and leadership development leads to better student outcomes and higher retention rates. Grootenboer (2020) reinforces that improving teacher practice isn’t just about individual upskilling—it’s about building a culture of continuous improvement. A strategic approach ensures that professional learning is:
- Aligned with your school’s vision and goals.
- Embedded into everyday practice.
- Focused on sustainable impact, not just compliance.
The Benefits of Upskilling Teachers and Leaders
Professional learning isn’t just a checkbox exercise; it’s an investment in your school’s future. Mockler (2022) and Hargreaves (2021) argue that well-structured professional learning builds teacher confidence, fosters collaboration, and ensures teachers feel valued. When teachers thrive, students thrive. Here’s why upskilling is essential:
- Better student outcomes: High-impact teaching strategies lead to measurable improvements in learning (Australian Education Research Organisation [AERO], 2023).
- Stronger leadership: School leaders play a pivotal role in shaping culture, and professional learning equips them with the skills to drive meaningful change (Leithwood, 2019).
- Increased teacher retention: Schools that prioritise professional development see lower burnout rates and higher job satisfaction among staff (Mockler, 2022).
Providers That Can Support Your School
EC by Go1: Bespoke Professional Learning Programs, Coaching & Facilitation
At Education Changemakers (EC) by Go1, we believe professional learning should be engaging, evidence-based, and practical. We work with schools to create bespoke learning programs tailored to their unique needs. Whether it’s leadership coaching, facilitated workshops, or ongoing professional learning communities, we help schools move beyond traditional PD models to drive real impact.
Why choose EC by Go1?
- Tailored learning experiences – Not a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Expert facilitators and coaches – With real-world school leadership experience.
- Sustainable impact – Learning that doesn’t end when the workshop does.
Real Schools: Building Stronger School Communities
If your school is looking for a professional learning partner with a focus on culture and long-term impact, Real Schools is another fantastic option. Led by experienced educators, Real Schools helps teachers and leaders implement evidence-based practices that strengthen relationships and build positive school cultures.
Their programs focus on:
- Restorative practices – Creating a school environment where students and staff feel safe, valued, and connected (Hargreaves, 2021).
- Teacher resilience and wellbeing – Reducing burnout by fostering a supportive teaching environment (Mockler, 2022).
- Leadership development – Equipping school leaders with strategies to inspire and sustain change (Fullan, 2020).
Finding the Right Fit for Your School
Choosing a professional learning provider is like selecting the right running shoes. The best option depends on your needs, goals, and long-term vision. Fullan (2020) reminds us that professional learning should never be an isolated event. It should be part of a broader school strategy. When selecting a provider, ask yourself:
- Does this align with our school’s strategic goals?
- Will it empower teachers and leaders to apply what they learn?
- Is the approach backed by research and best practices?
Professional learning isn’t a plug and play endeavor, it’s about transforming practice, strengthening leadership, and improving outcomes for every student. Whether you choose EC by Go1 for bespoke learning design or Real Schools for their culture-focused approach, investing in professional learning is an investment in the future of education.
So, what’s your next step? The best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
References
Australian Education Research Organisation. (2023). High-impact teaching strategies: Evidence summary. AERO. https://www.edresearch.edu.au
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. (2022). Professional learning for teachers: Best practice principles. AITSL. https://www.aitsl.edu.au
Fullan, M. (2020). Leading in a culture of change (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Grootenboer, P. (2020). The practice of leadership in schools: Theory and practice. Springer.
Hargreaves, A. (2021). Leadership from the middle: A research-based perspective on professional learning communities. Routledge.
Leithwood, K. (2019). How leadership influences student learning: A review of research findings. Springer.
Mockler, N. (2022). Transforming teacher professional learning: Rethinking policy and practice. Routledge.
