Sharing Professional Learning in an Education Centre Environment

This project aims to bring together providers of continuous professional development for school personnel, across three European countries, to share, collaborate and learn together. It aims to increase knowledge of other systems of professional development, enhance provision of professional development in each of the organisations and contribute to innovation and creativity in already existing provision. The leadership skills of the organisation and education centre leaders/directors, will also be enhanced and developed through a sharing of knowledge and expertise with their European counterparts and a shadowing of partner leaders within their respective organisations. As providers of continuous professional development for initial, induction and experienced teachers and educators, Education Centres in Ireland, and their collegiate organisations in Europe, seek to ensure that their provision is current, relevant and of the highest quality. Key to ensuring this are the skills, knowledge and competencies of the Directors of Education Centres/Leaders of Professional Development Organisations who support adult learners, monitor the effectiveness of provision, make decisions on the provision of CPD needs in local areas and nationally, and who monitor and predict the needs and progress of adult learners.In collaborating and linking with professionals in different countries, educators such as these directors/leaders will share knowledge, skills and expertise and observe and learn from systems and procedures internationally. This learning will transfer to their work in designing and organising future CPD for school educators in their home countries. It will also contribute to the personal and professional development of the personnel involved.Results expected will include: Showcasing of good practice across the different partner countries; examination of current practice in all countries; sharing of knowledge, experience and expertise towards the implementation of at least one new, innovative professional development offering in each organisation; enhancement and development of the leadership skills of the leaders/directors of these organisations and education centres. The desired impact will be increased knowledge of partner systems, enhanced understanding of needs and provision at local, regional, national and European level, and collaboration on new and/or innovative approaches at each level. Enhanced leadership skills gained through observation and shadowing will also contribute to more effective leading and management of partner organisations.Activities that have enhanced the provision of continuous professional development in our organisations, and that have contributed to more effective teaching and learning, will be included in future planning of provision, and will, hopefully, be refined and developed further over time.