How does my current CPD relate to the work done in understanding the education profession?

Educational institutions should provide systematic professional development for individual teachers through out their career. While it is important for newly qualified teachers to develop their skills, it is similarly important to recognise the needs of more experienced teachers. More often than not it will be these teachers who are the foundation of the school, in that they are less likely to change schools frequently because of the career stabalisation described by Fessler and Christensen (1992). Hence, satisfying the needs of more experienced educators is more likely to allow for whole school development through more continuity in personnel.

Moreover, educators and educational institutions must be reflective of their practice. Reflection should examine current practice internally and universal practice which could advance the system in that institution. From my study of educational systems in Finland, USA and NZ for instance, there is much to be gained from international awareness and co-operation. The NZ-UK Education Link mentioned in my analysis of CPD in various countries is one such example of co-operation and funding to develop a global perspective on education.