07/10/2025
Investment Boost For New Professional Learning For Teachers and Assistants
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a new partnership with the Chartered College of Teaching to provide teachers and classroom assistants with access to the College's evidence-informed professional learning programmes.
A total of £68,000 has been committed to funding places for the 2025/26 academic year, supporting 200 education staff in total:
• 100 teachers will gain full membership and complete the respected Chartered Teacher Status programme.
• 100 classroom assistants will receive associate membership and access to tailored professional learning, including courses on Supporting Evidence-Informed Teaching & Learning and Practitioner Enquiry.
Minister Givan stated that the partnership is a key commitment within the TransformED Strategy to support education staff in accessing and using research.
He said that funding access to the programmes will help staff "grow in confidence, explore new ideas and encouraging reflection, dialogue and debate", while also building on the success of the existing Making Best Practice, Common Practice programme.
The Minister specifically highlighted the decision to extend the opportunity to classroom assistants in recognition of their "vital role in supporting teaching & learning", noting that he hopes to further expand their professional learning opportunities as the TransformED Strategy progresses.
The Education Authority will invite practitioners to apply for the available funded places in the coming weeks.
A total of £68,000 has been committed to funding places for the 2025/26 academic year, supporting 200 education staff in total:
• 100 teachers will gain full membership and complete the respected Chartered Teacher Status programme.
• 100 classroom assistants will receive associate membership and access to tailored professional learning, including courses on Supporting Evidence-Informed Teaching & Learning and Practitioner Enquiry.
He said that funding access to the programmes will help staff "grow in confidence, explore new ideas and encouraging reflection, dialogue and debate", while also building on the success of the existing Making Best Practice, Common Practice programme.
The Minister specifically highlighted the decision to extend the opportunity to classroom assistants in recognition of their "vital role in supporting teaching & learning", noting that he hopes to further expand their professional learning opportunities as the TransformED Strategy progresses.
The Education Authority will invite practitioners to apply for the available funded places in the coming weeks.
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