by Juma Nyamori
In recent years, the practice of professional development led by teachers has gained remarkable momentum across the global educational landscape. This trend is inspiring in its simplicity and impact: seasoned educators sharing practical insights, best practices, and innovations directly from their classrooms with colleagues from diverse schools and regions. At a recent conference hosted by the Association of International Schools in Africa, I witnessed this practice in full force. Educators led sessions on a wide range of topics, from Wellness for All, Educational Innovation, and Risk Management, to Finance and Governance, and Sustainability. It was a powerful reminder that the most meaningful professional learning often comes from educators themselves, who bring authentic experiences and deep expertise to these forums.
International education is expanding rapidly, creating unique opportunities for schools and educators to connect, share, and learn from each other. As we navigate this growth, organisations like Leading Your International School (LYIS) have a critical role to play in supporting teacher-led professional development. By championing these platforms, we can build networks that enable educators from diverse backgrounds and settings to engage meaningfully, fostering a global community of learners and leaders. This approach is not only cost-effective but is grounded in the real-life challenges and successes that educators face daily.
One of the most compelling aspects of these teacher-led sessions is the richness that comes from educators sharing their lived experiences across different schools, cultures, and systems. For example, a session on Wellness for All might reveal strategies from a small school in Kenya where students and teachers participate in peer-support programmes, alongside insights from a large school in South Africa with dedicated wellness coordinators and integrated mental health curricula. When educators share from the heart of their practice, they provide colleagues with practical tools that can be adapted to fit diverse school contexts, creating a ripple effect that can transform entire learning communities.
At LYIS, we are committed to encouraging this model of teacher-led development. It aligns seamlessly with our mission to empower leaders within the international school community and is grounded in the value of learning through shared experience. Building upon this principle, LYIS sees these forums not just as moments for knowledge transfer, but as spaces where educators can collaborate to address the changing demands of global education. As we promote global citizenship and inclusivity, we are reminded that these values must be mirrored in how we approach professional development.
For my fellow leaders, the value of these platforms for teacher-led learning cannot be overstated. They represent a shift from traditional top-down training models to a more participatory, empowering approach. For teachers, this is an opportunity to lead within their fields, fostering pride and a sense of ownership over their professional growth. For schools, it is an investment in a learning culture that values collaboration and adaptability. At a time when international education is experiencing unprecedented change, we must ensure that the foundations of teacher-led professional development are strong and sustainable.
This model of learning is also an avenue to explore and address complex, multi-disciplinary challenges such as sustainability, technology integration, and student well-being. For instance, a teacher who has successfully implemented a sustainability project in their classroom can share how they built student engagement and overcame challenges, providing a roadmap for others. Similarly, educators working in remote areas might share innovative ways they’ve adapted technology to enrich learning, proving that the most valuable insights often come from those closest to the experience.
Looking ahead, LYIS is committed to amplifying these teacher-led initiatives. We are exploring new partnerships with associations, universities, and educational networks to expand the resources and platforms available for educators. Our goal is to cultivate a professional community where teachers and leaders alike feel supported, valued, and equipped to address the evolving needs of their schools and students. By investing in these networks, we are not only strengthening individual schools but also enriching the broader landscape of international education.
For my leadership colleagues, I encourage each of you to champion these professional development opportunities within your own schools. By prioritising teacher-led learning, we create pathways for educators to grow, inspire one another, and continually refine their practice. Let us build a future where professional growth is not just an occasional workshop but an ongoing journey, fuelled by shared passion, resilience, and a commitment to the global community we serve.
As LYIS, we lead by example, advocating for a collaborative approach to professional learning that respects and elevates the insights of educators everywhere. Together, we can lay a strong foundation for a new era in professional development—one that reflects the values of collaboration, inclusivity, and global citizenship that lie at the heart of international education.
LYIS is an Educational Leadership Consultancy company and our purpose is to support our members and school leaders at every stage of their leadership journey. If you are a current Principal or aspire to be one, contact grainne@leadingyourinternationalschool.com to see how we can help your leadership.
