What’s the book about?
The goal of every leader responsible for teacher development is the same:
To create the conditions for teachers to grow — sustainably and permanently.
Unlocking Teacher Development is built around three fundamental psychological ideas that underpin how humans learn and develop:
- How to evaluate and strengthen your current school culture
- How Self-Determination Theory can explain both individual and group motivation
- How behaviour spreads through groups to create self-sustaining improvement
These core ideas are then explored through a range of practical, school-based issues:
Why is it so hard to improve our teaching?
- The habits and environmental challenges that can inhibit adaptive expertise
- How to foster ongoing professional growth
How can we develop our knowledge of the quality of teaching?
- Rethinking quality assurance processes
- Improving the accuracy and impact of lesson observations and evaluations
How can we develop teachers through effective CPD?
- A balanced look at different models of CPD — their strengths, weaknesses, and how they can work together
How can we develop teachers through feedback and coaching?
- A deep dive into coaching strategies: what works, when, and why
How can we use accountability to support teacher development?
- Using accountability as a developmental tool — and managing gross underperformance when necessary
What makes this book different?
- Approach-agnostic:
This book does not push a single method of teacher development. Instead, it critically explores the main approaches, allowing you to make the best decision for your context. By the end, you won’t know my personal preferences — and that’s deliberate. - Practical examples from varied contexts:
Through fictionalised case studies, you’ll see how leaders in different types of schools tackle real dilemmas, giving you examples that resonate whatever your setting. - Evidence and experience informed:
Unlocking Teacher Development goes deep into research (for example, offering an extended treatment of Self-Determination Theory beyond what is usually seen in educational books) while also introducing original, practical ideas developed from my own work coaching and leading teacher development.
Who is this book for?
- Senior leaders responsible for professional development and teaching quality
- Middle leaders and lead practitioners supporting teacher development within departments
- International leaders seeking a generalisable model for CPD
While the examples are rooted in the English educational system, the core ideas are applicable to schools worldwide.
When is it out?
Update: It has just been released
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The result was about two years of research and thinking that culminated in my new book: Unlocking Teacher Development. It aims to provide all leaders with a strong theoretical and practical knowledge to ensure success whichever CPD approaches they take.
Adam Robbins Education 