Manage your account
To join the networks you need an account. To create a profile select "set up a web profile" from the login page. Click the link below.
Introducing the GTC Networks.
Good teaching needs good networks and good networks need good teachers.
The GTC Networks provide support by linking teachers nationally and putting them in touch with the latest research and evidence. They let teachers have a voice at national debates on changes to education.
Key lessons from the EPD pilot scheme
The Early Professional Development (EPD) pilot scheme was set up by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and ran from 2001 to 2004.
The evaluation of the scheme indicated that it made a significant impact on teachers, pupils and schools.
The evaluation found a number of characteristics of effective EPD:
- Teacher autonomy. Teachers who had some control over decisions regarding the form and focus of their professional development were much more likely to benefit from it.
- School support. The support of their school was linked to advances in teachers’ commitment to teaching, their ability to take on leadership roles and their contribution to their colleagues and the school.
- Mentor support. The mentoring relationship was particularly influential for second-year teachers, with improvements in their teaching practice (especially behaviour management) and their career development (including gaining promotions) attributed to the advice and support they received from their mentor.
Engage asked Helen Moore, who led the evaluation, to write a report on the key findings. If you support early career teachers (ECTs) you may like to read Helen’s report, available here. (PDF, 108KB)
Crucially, the report highlights effective practices that make a difference to EPD. As you read the report consider what the professional development you provide looks like.
- Does it provide teachers with autonomy in their CPD decisions?
- Does the school provide its full support for the EPD?
- Are there effective mentoring arrangements in place?
Get in touch if:
