Are you thinking about what’s next for you in education? A leadership role, a specialist SEND position, or simply being the teacher who has it all together (most days). Here’s the thing that can help you get there: CPD. Continuous professional development, or, as we like to call it, learning that actually helps you.
Teaching never stops. Curriculum changes, tricky classroom moments, fresh ways to make your lessons less ‘lessony’, there is always something to learn. The best teachers aren’t only great at what they do. They’re great because they continue to learn.
Let’s be honest. Finding good CPD in your school can be tricky, especially in secondary schools where subject-specific courses are rare. That’s where external platforms like the CPD Academy come in.
Why CPD matters
CPD is something the best teachers value. In fact, more than one in 10 teachers and two to three out of 10 heads would pick CPD vouchers over a pay rise, according to Teacher Tapp research.
Teaching isn’t only about lessons. You’re managing behaviour, supporting emotional needs, and creating an inclusive space for every learner. The skills that help you do that: communication, empathy, adaptability, and leadership, are exactly what senior leaders look for when hiring or promoting.
According to The State of CPD report, teachers’ top two priorities for professional development are expanding their subject knowledge and improving their classroom instruction. Teachers also expressed a preference for online CPD that can be completed at their convenience.
Teachers are already working hard to get better at their job, particularly new teachers, three-quarters of whom say that improving their practice is an important focus, and something they do every week.
The CPD advantage
Previous studies have concluded that CPD is a valuable way of improving teaching and learning. (Sims et al. 2021). CPD is ongoing training that helps you grow as a teacher. It’s not about keeping up with the latest buzzwords; it’s about making your life easier in the classroom and improving learner outcomes. But CPD isn’t about ticking boxes. It is how you move forward in your career. Every course you complete is another step toward being the educator schools are searching for: skilled, reflective, and ready for anything.
CPD gives you:
Things to talk about in interviews, confidence in your abilities and a way to stand out.
Different strategies, clever tricks, and practical tips.
Updates to stay current, including curriculum changes, tech, and the latest trends.
Confidence: The right tools help you handle whatever the classroom throws at you.
New doors: Leadership roles, SEN specialism, mentoring. CPD is your ticket to opportunity.
Why we created the CPD academy
We know your job’s full-on. Lesson plans, marking, behaviour management, and the occasional helicopter parent. Finding time for in-person training? Hardly realistic.
That’s why we built the CPD Academy, a free and flexible online platform made just for you. Every Protocol Education educator has access to learning that makes a BIG difference. Whether you’re a teacher, teaching assistant (TA), tutor, or support staff member, you can choose courses that fit your goals, your time, and your energy.
Think of it as a mini classroom on your laptop, full of bite-sized learning that helps you in real life. The CPD Academy is about making you feel more confident, capable, and ready for whatever teaching throws at you.
Key features
Free for Protocol educators. Because professional development shouldn’t come with a price tag.
Learn at your own pace. With many courses under an hour, you can fit learning around your day.
Diverse topics. From phonics to early years teaching, choose what matters the most to you.
Earn certificates. Add them to your portfolio, pin them to your fridge, pop them up in the classroom, and show off your new skills.
Personalised learning. Build your own learning journey.
Courses for today’s classrooms
Every teaching journey is different. The CPD Academy offers courses that meet you where you are.
Safeguarding training to stay up to date and confident in your duty of care.
SEND support with tools and approaches that make inclusion second nature.
TA-specific training packed with wellbeing and resilience strategies.
Mental health and wellbeing courses to help you support yourself as much as your class.
Health and safety basics to keep your classroom safe and calm.
Getting started
The author Mark Twain said, "The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” We doubt he was talking about CPD, but it is good advice nonetheless. Think of CPD like a mini learning adventure. Bite-sized courses, your pace, your choice, like picking your favourite coffee to kickstart your Monday.
Before embarking on the CPD academy:
Think about your goals: Which areas do you want to improve? Behaviour management, SEND support, or leadership skills?
Pick relevant training: Choose CPD that is practical and useful for your current job or the one you are aiming for.
Put it into practice: Take what you have learnt and use it in your lessons.
Reflect: Pull out your trusty notebook and scribble what worked and what did not
Keep it consistent: CPD is ongoing, and regular training keeps you growing throughout your career.
CPD: your shortcut to better roles
Employers, both schools and recruiters, love to see proactive self-development. A strong CPD record makes you a more valuable candidate for better roles, opening doors to promotions and opportunities. By addressing your skill gaps and expanding your expertise, you gain the confidence to tackle challenges in the classroom and take on more senior or specialist roles.
CPD helps you grow in all the right ways. It’s proof you’re proactive, engaged, and ready for the future. And it’s practical, giving you strategies you can use straight away, not another photocopied handout from a training day that gathers dust in the back of your desk.
With the CPD Academy, learning is simple, free, and flexible. Whether you want your next challenge or more confidence in your current role, this is your sign to start. Explore the CPD Academy today and take a shortcut to better roles.
