Education Minister launches online learning programme for primary teachers
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a new online professional learning programme for primary school teachers across Northern Ireland.
The Classroom Excellence Programme, delivered in partnership with Evidence Based Education, will provide over 4,000 teachers with access to research and practical tools to enhance teaching and learning in their classrooms.
Over 200 primary schools have signed up to the initiative, which forms part of the Department's RAISE cross-cutting programme and delivers on key commitments in the TransformED education strategy.
Paul Givan said:
“Since publishing TransformED, I have been determined to provide our teaching workforce with the very best professional learning opportunities, and today's announcement is another significant step forward.
"The Classroom Excellence Programme has been specifically designed to meet the needs of primary school teachers and their pupils. It will help teachers develop a deeper, research-based understanding of how children learn and how they acquire, retain and apply knowledge.
"When teachers have access to evidence-informed strategies, they can create classrooms where every child, particularly those facing disadvantage, has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential."
The programme was developed by Evidence Based Education.
The Minister continued:
“The programme offers teachers personalised learning, with tailored pathways based on their prior knowledge, development needs and the specific needs of their pupils.
“Teachers will also have access to a wealth of resources, including self-study courses linking research to practical classroom approaches, webinars on key teaching topics, expert insights from education specialists, video demonstrations of effective teaching techniques in primary settings and a comprehensive resource library.
“The Programme translates the latest educational research into practical strategies that teachers can implement immediately in their classrooms.”
Primary schools that have signed up for the initiative will be contacted by Evidence Based Education in early January 2026 to begin the registration process.
Notes to editors:
1. Prioritising Teacher Professional Learning and improving access to research are key commitments within the Department’s Education Strategy, TransformED NI - https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/transformed-ni-transforming-teaching-and-learning-strategy-educational-excellence-northern-ireland-documents
2. This programme is a cross-cutting initiative within the RAISE programme. Evidence Based Education (https://evidencebased.education/) was appointed following a competitive procurement.
3. An expression of interest was issued to all primary schools and those who confirmed participation will shortly be registered for the programme.
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