How teachers can lead by example

A newly created function within Kings’ Education, the 2018/9 academic year saw the introduction of Lead Practitioners across the group’s trio of Dubai based schools.

Two years ago, I became part of the Teaching and Learning Party, an initiative comprised of Kings’ most skilled practitioners, whose role is to develop teaching and learning across the school, and to launch and lead exciting new ventures.

My years of experience working at all different levels, and in a variety of roles, have prepared me for this new challenge. I also undertook additional coaching and mentoring training, which I am now able to put into practice when supporting and developing Kings’ colleagues.

With the introduction of Leading Practitioners at Kings’, the main focus of our role is to work closely with the teaching teams to ‘supercharge’ the learning environment.

The goal is to ensure that the highest levels of teaching and learning are in place across all year groups, from Foundation Stage 1 through to Year Six, alongside specialist teaching.

Our role works on a cycle of observation and data collection, which involves collating information about the level of impact the teachers are having within their classes and on children.

The next step is to use this information and then plan a programme of professional development opportunities for staff. This includes identifying areas for internal and external Continuing Professional Development (CPD), along with mentoring, coaching, and best practice.

This leads us to the final step, which involves an evaluation of the impact of the entire process, and overseeing the ongoing maintenance of teaching standards and practices in all areas.

Since we launched the Lead Practitioners programme in September 2018, we have been working on developing a shared language of learning. Our students understand the skill sets they need to be successful and we support teachers in embedding these, so that all children can talk confidently about themselves as learners, celebrate successes, and become more resilient to and excited by challenges.

Developing inspiring learning environments across the campus is a key focus for the year ahead, ensuring children can learn in a space that enables independent, collaborative, and creative individuals.