ABSTRACT
Professional development must therefore be continuous, and it is left largely up to middle leaders to ensure that it does. The five in-service-training (INSET) days may well cover important whole school development matters but effective continuous professional development (CPD) is a much more sophisticated undertaking. It needs careful thought and careful targeting. There are essentially three levels: whole school objectives, department or subject plans, and the development of individuals. Professional development depends on a strong learning culture and should be part of the day to day experience of teachers. Coaching is a particularly effective method of personal development and it is one which many middle leaders use to support and encourage members of their departments. The best schools and the best subject departments make sure that continuous professional development is at the heart of the school improvement agenda and the most effective middle leaders make sure that it is part of the day to day practice of their departments.
