Why Professional Development Matters at ISD
Great teachers never stop learning.
Education changes. New research emerges, technology develops, and our understanding of how children learn and what they need to thrive continues to grow. We want our teachers to have the time, resources and opportunities to grow with it.
Professional development is therefore an important part of how we work at ISD and something we intentionally invest in as a non-profit school.
Learning starts before the school year does
Before our students returned to campus for the 2026/27 school year, our faculty were already back learning, planning and preparing together.
Across several days, teachers and school leaders took part in sessions covering high-quality teaching and learning, inclusion, student wellbeing, literacy, mathematics, play-based learning, technology, positive discipline and restorative practice.
Our Early Years team worked with an external consultant to solidify and further explore best practices in EarlyYears pedagogy. . School leaders worked with an expert from the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) on coaching for high-quality pedagogy and restorative practices. Elementary teams spent time on areas including literacy, mathematics and play-based learning, while Senior School colleagues reviewed curriculum, advisory and student wellbeing.
Just as importantly, there was time set aside for teams to plan together, look at individual student needs and prepare for the year ahead.
Learning from each other
Professional development does not always mean attending a course or listening to an external expert.
Some of the most valuable learning happens between colleagues.
Our teachers come from around the world and bring diverse experiences, expertise, and perspectives. Giving them time to work together means that knowledge can be shared across classrooms, grade levels and departments.
Classroom teachers work alongside colleagues in Learning Support, English as an Additional Language (EAL), counselling and educational technology. Teams look at student progress together, discuss what is working and where additional support may be needed, and plan accordingly.
That collaboration is an important part of how we support our students.
Making learning work for all students
Inclusion is another important area of professional learning.
There is no single type of ISD student. Our classrooms bring together children with different languages, cultures, educational experiences, strengths and ways of learning.
Our teachers continue to develop their understanding of inclusive approaches and universal design for learning. The aim is to think about different learners from the beginning when lessons, classrooms and learning experiences are being designed, rather than only making adjustments afterwards.
This is particularly important in a diverse international school and is something we continue to develop across ISD.
Bringing expertise into the school
We have a huge amount of expertise within our own faculty, but we also believe in looking outside our walls.
Throughout the year, we work with external specialists, consultants and educational organisations who bring new perspectives and expertise into the school.
Faculty and administrative staff also have access to an individual annual professional development allowance, giving colleagues the opportunity to pursue learning that is particularly relevant to their role or area of expertise.
This might mean attending specialist training, developing an additional qualification, exploring new approaches to teaching and learning or connecting with other educators internationally.
It goes beyond academics
Professional learning also includes the many areas of school life that help children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Our faculty regularly engage with topics including child protection, student wellbeing, positive discipline, restorative practices, inclusion and student success.
There are also less visible but equally important areas such as data protection, cybersecurity, hygiene and safeguarding requirements.
All of these contribute to the environment our students experience every day.
Why we make the investment
We ask our students to stay curious, try new things, reflect on their learning and continue to grow. We expect the same of ourselves.
Giving teachers time for professional learning, collaboration and planning requires an investment. It means bringing experts to campus, supporting individual development and, importantly, creating space within the school year for teachers to learn and work together.
We believe that investment is worth making.
What our teachers learn today has the potential to shape what happens in our classrooms tomorrow.
Read more: Why Being a Non-Profit School Matters at ISD →
