Good morning,

This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined once again by Matthew Best as we continue our conversation about evidence-informed practice and ways of being in schools. It’s a conversation about meaningful professional development, research engagement and where Matthew goes for inspiration in his own professional development.

We explore what meaningful professional development could and should look like, the conditions necessary for effective PD and who (teachers, leaders, ministers?) is responsible for creating an environment in which all teachers can thrive.

The episode is called Genuinely meaningful professional development (the conditions and components) and is available now via the links below and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Hope you enjoy!

Rosenshine, B. (2012). Principles of instruction: Research-based strategies that all teachers should know. American Educator, 36(1), 12 to 39.

Bruner, J. S. (1960). The Process of Education. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Lee, B. (Host). Knowledge for Teachers. Podcast series.

Barton, C. (Host). Mr Barton Maths Podcast. Podcast series.

Sharples, J., et al. (2024). A School’s Guide to Implementation. London: Education Endowment Foundation.

Institute of Education Sciences. (n.d.). What Works Clearinghouse.

Barker, J., & Mccrea, P. (2026). Common SEN (Mis)Interventions: An Evidence Summary. Steplab.

Mccrea, P. (2026, 14 May). The Fidget Delusion. Evidence Snacks.

Counsell, C. (2025, 7 May). Christine Counsell NI Curriculum: Speech on 7 May 2025. Department of Education, Northern Ireland.

Tickets are available for TDaPE Conference Online.

This brings together a brilliant collection of on-demand workshop sessions from across the world of education, featuring thoughtful, practical and evidence-informed professional development that you can access in your own time.

Every ticket gives you access to the full collection of sessions, and all funds will be donated to Velindre Cancer Centre, a cause that means a great deal to many of us in the TDaPE community.

So, if you are looking for meaningful professional development, want to hear from a range of brilliant educators, and would like to support an excellent cause at the same time, this is a lovely way to do all three.

Thank you, as always, for your support.

TDaPE Online Eventbrite

TDaPE Online Workshops

A huge thank you to everyone who shared last week’s episode. It really does help the podcast reach more thoughtful primary teachers and leaders. If there’s someone you know who cares deeply about teaching, learning or leadership, I’d be very grateful if you passed the episode on.

That’s all from me this week. I’d love to know what you made of it, so do leave a comment wherever you listen, or simply hit reply and share your thoughts.

Until next time, thanks for listening.