FEATURE: CPD


their teachers to ensure high levels of commitment are given to see the new initiative take full effect. By encouraging an open dialogue, all staff, teachers and teaching assistants can feel comfortable to express any concerns, and work through any sticking points they may come across. A supportive culture leads to a strong network of individuals, all invested in working towards the bigger picture.


• Nurturing a supportive staff community Creating a culture of continuous learning, this practice fosters an environment of collaboration, trust and professional growth among educators, contributing significantly to the policy’s success. By encouraging teachers to engage in ongoing professional observations and skills sharing, a cohesive community of educators is formed. Within this supportive environment, specialists and generalists alike can benefit from each other’s knowledge and experience, side stepping any restrictions of traditional boundaries. This approach enabled staff to access a broader range of talents and expertise, enriching their own skills and know how. Promoting a sense of unity, teachers become more than just colleagues - they become mentors and natural leaders.


• Embracing technology and AI In the age of digitalisation, embracing technology and AI has become paramount in managing staffing crises effectively. Leveraging classroom technology to fill knowledge gaps and weak points left by staff departure, means that a smooth continuation of education can be ensured, while optimising individual teacher’s skills and specialisations. Without this, staff simply won’t have the time to benefit from the open- door policy.


With digital solutions aiding lesson planning, resource allocation and classroom engagement, AI enabled technology becomes an invaluable asset, ensuring that education remains uninterrupted even in the face of disruption. Aside from this, digital capabilities offer staff breathing room both in and out of the teaching hours. Automating traditionally time-consuming administrative tasks, digital classroom tools and software help schools make the most of the specialists they have access to - educators can spend more time putting their skills and specialism to best use, as supporting tasks are completed more efficiently.


The findings


From my experience, I’ve found the results of implementing the open-door policy to be profound. Not only does it alleviate some of the staffing challenges, but it also helps create a culture of resilience and professional development within a staff community.


• Improved teaching practices Gaining fresh perspectives, and learning new techniques from their peers, staff report significant improvements in their practices. The benefits are seen across both classroom management and subject based teaching techniques.


As teachers and administrators upskill and stay up to date with evolving technology and methodologies, the better prepared they are to engage students and address the diverse needs of the classroom.


October 2023 www.education-today.co.uk 37 • Increased job satisfaction


When educators have the freedom to observe and learn from their colleagues, they not only gain fresh insights and ideas, but also feel more supported and connected within their school community. This heightened sense of belonging and collaboration plays a pivotal role in elevating job satisfaction amongst staff. Teachers no longer need to operate in isolation, instead becoming part of a collective effort to enhance teaching practices and stretch the school’s capabilities. This sense of shared responsibility and purpose helps mitigate any disillusionment that some teachers may experience when grappling with challenges single-handedly.


• Student outcomes


Perhaps most importantly, student outcomes improve. Combining teacher’s expertise with digital solutions to ease the sharing experience - students benefit from enhanced learning experiences.


In the turbulent seas of the education sector’s staffing crisis, experience shows us that an open- door policy is proven to be a lifeboat of support and resilience for teachers.


The bigger picture


Though these policies have not been in place long enough to register a notable decrease in teacher turnover rates, it stands to reason that future educators will be drawn to a collaborative, supportive and growth orientated culture. In a report published by the Department for Education, capturing the response of over 11,170 educators during Spring 2022, an undeniable study found a positive correlation between job satisfaction and professional development. Within a twelve-month period, almost all (98%) respondents had undertaken continuous professional development (CPD), and results showed that the more time teachers and leaders spent engaging in formal CPD, the more likely they were to rate their overall job satisfaction as


‘good’ all or most of the time.


In the face of a staffing crisis, the significance of providing professional development for teachers and teaching assistants cannot be overstated - though, if not properly executed, this can be time consuming and further constrict staff’s already busy timetables.


Strategies such as adopting an open-door policy, allows staff to manage their own schedules and expand their skills and knowledge at a time to best suit them. The relaxed approach empowers staff to take control of their own CPD journey, setting up open door visitation with the colleagues they believe they are best suited to learn from.


Moreover, investing in professional development nurtures a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning, supporting a sense of purpose and dedication among staff.


Looking forward


The challenges facing education are complex, but solutions can be found within the ranks of educators themselves.


With class sizes in England reaching up to 60 pupils per classroom, the call for solutions and schemes to help teaching and support staff manage demand is more prevalent than ever - and forward-thinking schools are turning to their own body of specialists to provide the answers. Policies such as the open-door scheme not only demonstrates a school’s commitment to safeguarding and nurturing its staff, it demonstrates a school’s belief in its educators, and faith in the abilities of its teachers and teaching assistants.


Embracing an open-door policy is not just about managing the staffing crisis; it’s about nurturing a community of lifelong learners, committed to the success of their students and their profession. As those in the education profession continue to open doors to one another, a system can be built to properly support staff and pupils for years to come.


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