Education Minister launches online Teacher CPD Academy
Date published:
Education Minister Paul Givan has today announced an innovative Online Teacher Continued Professional Development (CPD) Academy in partnership with InnerDrive, a UK leader in cognitive science-based educational training.
The new initiative will deliver high-impact, evidence-informed professional development to Northern Ireland’s post-primary teachers, reinforcing the Minister’s commitment to a skilled, motivated education workforce.
Paul Givan said:
“I committed in TransformED to prioritising the professional learning needs of our teaching workforce. This partnership with InnerDrive reflects our dedication to equipping teachers with cutting-edge tools to meet the evolving needs of our students. By delivering accessible, research-driven professional learning, we are fostering a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring better outcomes for young people across Northern Ireland.”
The Teacher CPD Academy offers interactive, on-demand courses, expert insights, and practical resources grounded in cognitive science research. Topics include Cognitive Load Theory, Retrieval Practice and Metacognition, designed to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.
The Minister continued:
“As well as helping teachers to keep up to date with educational research, the Teacher CPD Academy will also help teachers to learn practical strategies that will help to make a difference in the classroom. Each course also has a discussion forum where staff can ask questions and exchange teaching and learning ideas with other educators from around the world.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our post primary schools and I am delighted that so many have chosen to participate in this programme. I hope to launch a further progamme for primary schools in the near future”
Developed by InnerDrive’s team of psychologists, former teachers and educators, the platform supports schools in creating tailored, evidence-based CPD programmes that empower educators to improve student performance. Over 6,000 teachers in Northern Ireland will benefit from this programme.
The roll-out of an online professional learning programme focused on the science of learning is a key commitment within the Department’s TransformED Strategy.
Notes to editors:
- Prioritising Teacher Professional Learning and improving access to research are key commitments within the Department’s Education Strategy, TransformED NI.
- An Expression of Interest was issued to all post primary schools and those who confirmed participation will shortly be registered for the CPD Academy, in preparation for the new academic year.
- The Online Teacher CPD Academy, accessible via Evidence-informed Training Courses | Teacher CPD Academy
- Further information is also available on the Department’s website at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/teacher-cpd-academy
- Follow us on Twitter @Education_NI
- Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office at: Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk