The CPD Exchange marked a significant milestone as IRIS Connect’s first-ever hybrid event. It brought together educators both in person and online to connect, collaborate, and explore practical CPD solutions that are making a real impact in schools.
This new format enabled participants from across the education community to share insights, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions, regardless of location. The event featured five inspiring talks delivered by respected members of the IRIS Connect community. These educational leaders shared powerful stories and practical strategies that are shaping the future of professional learning.
Following each talk, attendees joined breakout sessions, both on-site and virtually. These sessions provided a space to reflect on key messages, exchange experiences, and consider how the ideas presented could be applied within their own settings.
Presentations:
- Welcome by IRIS Connect by Andy Newell, IRIS Connect
- Protecting Agency in the Pursuit of Consistency by Dr. Chris Baker, Cabot Learning Federation
- Creating a Shared Language and Consistent Teaching Quality Across the Trust by Alex Hall & Matt Maynes, Hales Valley Trust
- Focusing on Each Teacher's Needs: Shifting to a Personalised PD Model by Tejinder Deeks, Langley Heritage Primary
- Empowering Culture: Strategies for Building and Retaining Talent with IRIS Connect by Jamie Tegerdine, Delia Nicholson and Vicky Purdy, Diverse Academies Trust
Full Recordings below
Welcome by IRIS Connect
by Andy Newell, IRIS Connect
Andy Newell welcomed the guests by highlighting the mission of IRIS Connect: to support teachers in continuously improving their practice, ultimately enhancing student outcomes. He emphasised that small, consistent improvements in teaching rather than dramatic, one-off changes are key to long-term success in education. Andy reinforced the importance of evidence-based approaches in professional development (PD), stressing that helping teachers become better each day through reflective practices and personalised support is at the core of our work. This focus on incremental growth drives both teacher development and improved student results.
Protecting Agency in the Pursuit of Consistency
by Dr. Chris Baker, Cabot Learning Federation
Increasing the consistency of teaching is a valuable and understandable goal of schools but can result in superficial improvement and the erosion of expertise. In this talk we will explore approaches to T&L leadership that enable the creation of a 'standardisation sweet spot' which raises the quality of school and even trust wide T&L whilst protecting agency, engagement and adaptability.
Chris is the leader of T&L and Professional Development at the Cabot Learning Federation in the South West. Chris works with leaders to review and refine their T&L, PD and coaching processes.
Creating a Shared Language and Consistent Teaching Quality Across the Trust
by Alex Hall & Matt Maynes, Hales Valley Trust
Alex Hall and Matt Maynes from Hales Valley Trust shared their decade-long journey in building a shared language and consistent teaching quality across their trust. They discussed their collaboration with IRIS Connect, emphasising the challenges faced in ensuring consistent teaching practices across diverse schools. The session highlighted the evolution of their approach, using technology and structured frameworks to promote quality teaching and shared understanding. The speakers also underscored the importance of collaboration, engagement, and adaptation in achieving consistency in teaching quality.
Focusing on Each Teacher's Needs: Shifting to a Personalised PD Model
by Tejinder Deeks, Langley Heritage Primary
Tejinder Deeks from Langley Heritage Primary shared the journey of transforming professional development at her school, with a focus on personalised learning for teachers. She recounted the initial steps in 2018, when the school adopted new technologies like IRIS Connect to enhance PD. Deeks emphasised the shift from traditional PD models to more personalised approaches, catering to each teacher's individual needs. She highlighted the positive impact of using video feedback, collaborative tools, and reflection in fostering a more tailored and effective professional development experience for staff.
Empowering Culture: Strategies for Building and Retaining Talent with IRIS Connect
by Jamie Tegerdine, Delia Nicholson and Vicky Purdy, Diverse Academies Trust
Jamie Tegerdine, Delia Nicholson, and Stacey Aisthorpe from Diverse Academies Trust shared strategies for building and retaining talent through a strong coaching culture. They discussed the importance of creating teacher agency, emphasising how their work with IRIS Connect has helped improve retention by fostering an environment of collaboration and professional development. The session highlighted the longevity of their staff, with members staying at the trust for decades, reflecting the positive impact of their coaching culture. The speakers outlined key practices that have contributed to their success, including personalized coaching and a commitment to nurturing talent.
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