Education services celebrates Professional Learning
At the tail end of last year, 14 teachers were presented with Professional Learning certificates at a special event held at John Muir House. 
The certificate ceremony is held for participants on our First Steps into Leadership, Next Steps into Leadership and the Coaching for Success programmes - all three programmes now have the prestigious Professional Recognition award from the GTCS.
In February 2018, First Steps into Leadership and Next Steps into Leadership both received Professional Recognition which recognises the enhanced, significant and sustained enquiry a teacher has undertaken. In order to meet the criteria for Professional Learning, the learning must meet the characteristics of masters level learning (SCQF Level 11). It recognises the teacher as an accomplished practitioner in a particular area. A key characteristic of professional recognition is evidence that the participant's practice is underpinned by ongoing reflective enquiry.
As part of that on-going reflective enquiry, before their certificate ceremony each participant is given a series of five questions which ask them to reflect on the impact their learning has had on their practice. At the ceremony participants work in small groups to discuss how their professional learning has informed their practice and impacted on them, their colleagues and most importantly their pupils.
David Scott, Quality Improvement Officer, presented participants with their certificates, on sharing his thoughts on the afternoon David said: “Today we saw the participants asking critical questions about themselves and how they would apply their learning in their future work. This is professional learning in action, and shows how effective leadership can enhance learning and teaching. I was really struck by the enthusiasm and passion that all these participants had to make a difference to the children and young people of East Lothian.”
For more information on these training courses for Education Services staff, contact Margo Cunningham, Training and Development Officer on 01620 828767