Abstract
High-quality teaching is one of the strongest drivers of improved learning, yet teachers around the world continue to face persistent challenges including limited training opportunities, misaligned curricula, heavy workloads and rapidly evolving expectations. Scalable models for teacher professional development: Insights from the British Council brings together global evidence and practical experience of implementation at scale to explore how education systems can meaningfully and sustainably support teachers throughout their careers.
Drawing on 14 global case studies, the report presents evidence-informed models for effective teacher professional development (TPD). It highlights the key elements that underpin quality TPD: collaborative design and learning, expert-led, curriculum aligned content, inclusive and equitable delivery and approaches that build teacher agency and efficacy and accreditation
Seven in-depth spotlights explore scalable delivery models ranging from national policy reform to school-based mentoring, digital learning innovations and the establishment of vibrant online and in-person communities of practice. These examples demonstrate how contextually grounded design, system alignment and targeted continuous professional development can transform not only the practice of individual teachers but also the collective strength of the teaching profession.
The models presented emphasise partnerships with ministries of education, adaptability, equity and sustainability, illustrating how different systems can tailor design choices to meet local needs and take account of diverse contextual considerations, while drawing on global evidence of what works.
This report offers policymakers, and designers and implementers of TPD programmes a practical framework for strengthening teacher development at scale, alongside actionable insights drawn from real-world implementation. It provides a valuable foundation for designing new initiatives that support teachers to teach well, thrive professionally and deliver more equitable learning outcomes for all learners.
Citation
British Council. (2026). Scalable models for teacher professional development: Insights from the British Council. British Council. https://doi.org/10.57884/PNAK-FZ49
A multimodal, whole career approach that brings together expert input, collaborative and mutually supportive learning, and practical tools and frameworks. Our TPD programme delivery can take place in schools and/or be offsite; be online, face-to-face, or hybrid; include live, synchronous and/or self-paced, asynchronous sessions; incorporate self- and moderated study; and involve teacher-led learning through communities of practice such as Teacher Activity Groups.