by Juma Nyamori
The role of a Headteacher is undoubtedly demanding, requiring a careful balance between various critical aspects of school management. From curriculum leadership and child welfare to leading people, coordinating partnerships, and managing organisational functions, the responsibilities are vast and complex. Among these, the sub-element of leading people—particularly the continuous professional development (CPD) of both oneself and the team—is a cornerstone of effective school leadership.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, it is essential that school leaders remain committed to their own CPD. While many experienced Headteachers may have undertaken multiple rounds of training in areas such as safeguarding, the dynamic nature of education means that there are always new insights, emerging trends, and real-time data that can enhance one’s knowledge and practice. This ongoing commitment to learning is not just beneficial; it is imperative.
One of the key reasons for maintaining a focus on CPD is the continual evolution of educational practices and policies. The world of education is not static; it is shaped by social, technological, and political changes that can have profound implications for schools. For instance, safeguarding practices have undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by new legislation, societal awareness, and technological advancements. Even for seasoned leaders, there are always new approaches to consider and integrate into their school’s policies and procedures. Keeping up to date with these developments ensures that school leaders are well-equipped to protect the welfare of their students in the most effective ways possible. I encountered very interesting insights this week, related to the development of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), and how this is becoming a major challenge in child protection, with worrying increase in child abuse and extortion online, and the current data on the same.
The complexities of child welfare and safeguarding require leaders to be vigilant and responsive to new challenges. Issues such as mental health, cyberbullying, and online safety have become increasingly prominent, necessitating a deep understanding of how to address them within the school context. Engaging in regular CPD allows Headteachers to stay informed about the latest research and strategies in these areas, ensuring that they can provide the necessary support and interventions for their students. In this way, continuous learning directly contributes to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all children.
Beyond safeguarding, the broader aspect of leading people also benefits immensely from ongoing professional development. Leadership in education is not just about managing day-to-day operations; it is about inspiring and guiding others to achieve their best. CPD opportunities, such as leadership courses or workshops on coaching and mentoring, can provide school leaders with new skills and perspectives that enhance their ability to lead their teams effectively. By continuously refining their leadership abilities, Headteachers can foster a positive school culture where staff feel supported, valued, and motivated to contribute to the school’s success.
Another crucial aspect of CPD is the opportunity it provides for engagement with peers. The challenges faced by school leaders are often similar across different contexts, and there is much to be gained from sharing experiences and strategies with fellow educators, under the aegis of organisations such as Leading Your International School #LYIS. Peer engagement through professional networks, conferences, or collaborative workshops enables Headteachers to gain insights into how key themes, such as curriculum leadership or organisational management, are being addressed in schools around the world. This global perspective can be invaluable in helping leaders to adapt and innovate within their own schools.
Engaging with peers allows for the exchange of ideas and best practices, which can lead to the development of more effective and creative solutions to common problems. Whether it is discussing approaches to improving student outcomes, exploring new technologies in education, or finding ways to strengthen community partnerships, these interactions can spark new ideas that benefit the entire school community.
I would like to encourage professional colleagues to create a central place for ongoing own CPD in their schedules. I have found this to be quite rewarding. While experience is invaluable, it must be complemented by a commitment to ongoing professional development. By staying up to date with the latest developments in education, engaging with peers, and continuously refining their leadership skills, school leaders can ensure that they are providing the best possible education and care for their students.
Wishing you all a great CPD year in 2024/2025!
Juma Nyamori is the Head Teacher, Rusinga Schools, Nairobi. Founding Chair of the Board, Leading Your International School
To connect with Juma on LinkedIn, click here
