As school and college leaders, you’re acutely aware of the challenges we face in retaining dedicated staff in the education sector. With teacher turnover rates climbing and budgets tightening, the pressure is on to find effective strategies that can help keep our talented educators in the profession. One tried and tested approach is continuous professional development (CPD). But how can we ensure that CPD is genuinely making a difference?

The vital role of CPD
CPD is more than just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a cornerstone of professional growth and job satisfaction. By providing ongoing training, we empower staff to develop their skills, stay updated with the latest educational practices, and feel valued in their roles. Effective CPD can reignite passion, boost morale, and enhance the quality of teaching, all of which are crucial for retaining staff.

Why this research matters
Our proposed study seeks to delve deeper into the role of CPD in staff retention. We aim to understand not just if CPD is beneficial, but how different aspects of it – such as the quantity of training, the quality, the format, and the staff member’s own self-efficacy – interact to influence their decision to stay in post.

Addressing the turnover crisis
Statistics show a worrying trend: a significant percentage of new teachers leave the profession within just a few years. Even experienced educators are not immune, with senior leader turnover rates also alarmingly high. This turnover not only disrupts student learning but also places a financial strain on schools and colleges due to the costs associated with recruiting and training new staff.

Your role and contribution
We’re inviting staff at all levels to share their experiences through an anonymous digital survey. The insights will help us to paint a comprehensive picture of the current CPD landscape and its impact on staff retention. By understanding the nuances, such as how self-efficacy and the perceived quality of CPD affect retention, we can tailor professional development to better meet the needs of our educators.

Focusing CPD where it matters most
By participating in this research, you’ll contribute to a body of knowledge that could transform how CPD is implemented in schools and colleges. We’re looking to identify what makes CPD most effective. For instance, does an increased quantity of CPD hours always lead to better retention, or is there a point where it becomes counterproductive? How does the quality of CPD influence its effectiveness? And with the rise of virtual training post-pandemic, does the format of CPD affect how teachers perceive its value?

Practical outcomes
The findings from this research could inform policy and procurement decisions, ensuring that CPD budgets are spent on initiatives that have the most significant impact. By optimising CPD, we can not only enhance teacher satisfaction and performance but also build a more stable and committed workforce.

Join us in making a difference
We know how busy you are, but your participation is crucial. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help shape the future of CPD in education, ensuring it truly supports and retains our teachers. Let’s work together to create an environment where educators feel supported, valued, and motivated to stay in the profession.

How to get involved
Participating is simple and will take no more than eight minutes. Simply follow the participation link here to access the survey. If you are able to share this research with your teams, then we have produced a simple instruction pack with templates available here. Please complete your responses by 31 August 2024. 

Thank you for your support with this research. If you have any queries, please do get in touch. 

This blog relates to an ongoing piece of research carried out by ASCL Leadership Development Manager Thomas Freeney. The initial phase of research will contribute to their Masters in Organisational Psychology.