Education Minister has today announced an
innovative Online Teacher Continued Professional Development
(CPD) Academy in partnership with InnerDrive, a UK leader in
cognitive science-based educational training.
The new initiative will deliver high-impact, evidence-informed
professional development to Northern Ireland's post-primary
teachers, reinforcing the Minister's commitment to a skilled,
motivated education workforce.
said: “I committed in
TransformED to prioritising the professional learning needs of
our teaching workforce. This partnership with InnerDrive
reflects our dedication to equipping teachers with cutting-edge
tools to meet the evolving needs of our students. By delivering
accessible, research-driven professional learning, we are
fostering a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring better
outcomes for young people across Northern Ireland.”
The Teacher CPD Academy offers interactive, on-demand courses,
expert insights, and practical resources grounded in cognitive
science research. Topics include Cognitive Load Theory, Retrieval
Practice and Metacognition, designed to enhance teaching and
learning outcomes.
The Minister continued: “As well as helping teachers
to keep up to date with educational
research, the Teacher CPD Academy
will also help teachers to learn practical strategies
that will help to make a difference in the classroom. Each course
also has a discussion forum where staff can ask questions and
exchange teaching and learning ideas with other educators from
around the world.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our post primary
schools and I am delighted that so many have chosen to
participate in this programme. I hope to launch a further
programme for primary schools in the near
future.”
Developed by InnerDrive's team of psychologists, former teachers
and educators, the platform supports schools in creating
tailored, evidence-based CPD programmes that empower educators to
improve student performance. Over 6,000 teachers in
Northern Ireland will benefit from this programme.
The roll-out of an online professional learning programme focused
on the science of learning is a key commitment within the
Department's TransformED Strategy.
Notes to editors:
- Prioritising Teacher Professional Learning and improving
access to research are key commitments within the Department's
Education Strategy, TransformED NI.
- An Expression of Interest was issued to all post primary
schools and those who confirmed participation will shortly be
registered for the CPD Academy, in preparation for the new
academic year.
- The Online Teacher CPD Academy, accessible
via: Evidence-informed Training
Courses | Teacher CPD Academy
- Further information is also available on the Department's
website at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/teacher-cpd-academy
