Since working from home, I have been trying to use the time I would normally spend travelling to and from school developing my subject knowledge and skills in different areas. Below I have compiled a list of links to free CPD for teachers, many of which I have completed myself. Please feel free to send me a message if you’d like any more information about the courses. I will update this list as I come across any CPD I feel is worthwhile.
Technology CPD
Apple Teacher
There are some great ideas on how to use Apple products in the classroom and I really enjoyed the unit on Swift coding. If you are already familiar with Apple products this training won’t take long at all and it’s great to have on your CV.
https://www.apple.com/uk/education/apple-teacher
Microsoft Innovative Educator
There is a wealth of courses to develop your use of Microsoft technology in the classroom. You can also find ideas, classroom resources and lessons and earn badges along the way.
https://education.microsoft.com/en-us
Google Certified Educator
By reading, watching videos, and doing activities, you’ll learn how to integrate Google in your classroom. At the end of the training you sit an online exam. Again, you can earn badges and gain inspiration and ideas.
https://teachercenter.withgoogle.com/training
Kahoot Certified
This training is quite easy to begin with as you just learn the basics of how to use Kahoot. As you progress through the sessions you can learn how to create your own Kahoot! And use them for formative assessment. You earn diplomas and digital badges along the way.
https://kahoot.com/certified
Seesaw Ambassador
I’ve been casually using Seesaw for the past 2 years in the classroom and I’m so glad I have, as it made remote teaching that little bit easier for me as the children were used to using Seesaw and there was no mad panic to set up account etc. Seesaw is so simple to use, which is why I’ve not yet done the training. It is next to do on my list though, as on completion you get access to Seesaw Plus with additional learning tools for students and teachers.
https://web.seesaw.me/ambassador-program
Literacy CPD
Mrs P Teach
Mrs P Teach has posted whole class reading sessions parts 1 and 2 on her Facebook page. She provided some great insights into supporting fiction with non-fiction. Very informative and only 45 minutes each.
http://www.mrspteach.com/2020/04/reading-cpd-videos.html
Jane Considine (The Training Space)
Seven fantastic writing sessions on YouTube. She is so passionate about teaching writing which is what makes this CPD so enjoyable. I’ve also joined in with her writing sessions for children which I also consider a different form of CPD.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Devouefrenchbulldogs
The Virtual Classroom with James Clements: Teaching Reading - Decoding, Comprehension and Fluency
There are 5 webinars which explore some of the key aspects of English teaching in the primary classroom. Each session will introduce some big ideas based on research, consider the practical implications for teachers and schools and then share links to free resources and further reading. Certificate on completion. [Update: 30th April 2020. Now available on demand.]
https://www.brainshark.com/1/player/en/oup?intk=551453501&fb=0&r3f1=&custom=vcpe
Prospero Teaching
An Introduction to Teaching Phonics.
https://prosperoteaching.com/quiz/phonics/
Maths CPD
Mr Barton Maths Podcast
He interviews guests from the world of education who interest and inspire him. He discusses their particular areas of interest, digs deep into their lesson planning process, and ask them to describe lessons that did not go so well and what they learned from the experience.
http://www.mrbartonmaths.com/podcast/
Reddy Made Maths
Relatively quick videos on YouTube, with a wealth of ideas for teaching maths in the classroom.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEKllOY2jDUw6lV7dPGR3hQ/videos
Science CPD
Reach Out
Providing 30 courses for teaching 5-11-year-olds covering everything from plants to planets. Each one provides teachers with concise topic knowledge and a whole raft of resources to use in class, including captivating short videos, practical activities and experiments, whiteboard visuals and more.
https://www.reachoutcpd.com
STEM.org
Free online courses from STEM Learning. You’ll be supported by experienced educators to use their online courses to meet your development needs and help you maximise your students’ learning. You’ll access real classroom footage, discuss lessons with colleagues from around the world, and learn from leading experts in their respective fields.
https://www.stem.org.uk/online-cpd
Explorify
Free online CPD with STEM Learning all about teaching primary science. They are packed with practical ideas to inspire curiosity and support scientific enquiry.
https://explorify.wellcome.ac.uk/blog/teaching-primary-science-getting-started
Primary Science Teaching Trust
Lots of CPD for teaching science.
https://pstt.org.uk/resources/cpd-units
Social Studies (History, Geography and Business) CPD
Historical Association
Making History: Using Archives in the Classroom. https://www.history.org.uk/secondary/module/3098/making-history-using-archives-in-the-classroom
National Geographic
Free online courses for educators equip teachers with powerful tools to transform their classrooms. Through these courses, educators build their own skills and knowledge so they can foster the mindset of a National Geographic Explorer in their students.
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/professional-development/courses/
General CPD
Classroom Secrets
Lots of great podcasts on their website or YouTube channel. Some of my favourites are Developing Vocabulary with Kelly Ashley and How to make reading in your school rock with Heather Wright.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmUDtGAisK7I1APyHpBQOw
TES
Range of different CPD opportunities.
https://www.tes.com/institute/cpd-courses-teachers
Dyslexia Scotland
Offering the first of 3 free modules (2 to be released in June) called ‘Introduction to Dyslexia and Inclusive Practice’. It was developed in response to Recommendations 1 and 2 of the 2014 Education Scotland Review Making Sense of Dyslexia.
https://www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/news/free-open-university-module-1-now-live
Open Learn
An extensive range of free courses in education and development for both primary and secondary. There are also some brilliant courses in the health and science and technology sections.
https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue
Future Learn
Some free short courses and more in-depth courses which run for a number of weeks where you can earn professional and academic accreditation. I’ve not completed any of the courses myself, but they have been recommended to me.
https://www.futurelearn.com/subjects/teaching-courses
TeacherCPD.ie
I find it useful to see what other countries are offering during this time. I’ve seen many companies in Ireland give free access to all their books online. TeacherCPD.ie is offering courses to support teaching online for Primary and Post Primary Teachers during School Closures.
https://teachercpd.ie
Jigsaw/ESCI Education Support Centres Ireland
A number of interactive online training courses for teachers. You can take courses about building mental health literacy and learn how to promote positive mental health in schools.
https://jigsawonline.ie/working-with-young-people
The University of Derby
Offering a free course ‘Understanding Autism, Asperger’s and ADHD’. This free short online course will encourage you to challenge your own definitions and perceptions of autism and ADHD. You will get an opportunity to examine several key themes around both autism and ADHD in order to obtain skills to help people with these conditions.
https://www.derby.ac.uk/short-courses-cpd/online/free-courses/understanding-autism-aspergers-and-adhd/
Research Ed Home on Twitter
Some of the best and brightest minds in education speaking every weekday of the Summer term. You can watch live at 11 am or catch them later on YouTube. There’s also a link to their full programme on their Twitter page.
https://twitter.com/researchEdhome
Oxford University Press
Have free CPD to support the mental health and wellbeing of primary children. It comes in 2 parts and requires you to sign up.
Part one: https://www.brainshark.com/1/player/en/oup?fb=0&r3f1=a993edbeb2bfe7f5a5ecd5faa5ed8f99efc5cabfe0affa89e2bbe7e8c6a8&custom=wellbeing1®ion=uk
Part 2: https://www.brainshark.com/1/player/en/oup?fb=0&r3f1=38027c2f232e7664347d446b347c3875334b395f70101804732a76795739&custom=wellbeingpart2®ion=uk
Seneca Learning
24 free CPD to choose from such as Assessment for Teachers and Language development for teachers. They also have some leadership courses too.
https://app.senecalearning.com/courses?Price=Free
OLT
Four short courses on autism, learning theory, SEND code of practice and working in partnership with parents
https://www.oltinternational.net/free-short-courses
School Education Gateway - Teacher Academy
https://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/teacher_academy.htm
Mindful Choices Elementary School
Learn ways you and your students an become calmer and more focused. Taught by Alliance for Decision Education.
https://programs.alliancefordecisioneducation.org/courses/mindful-choices-elementary
University of Chester
Courses which touch on Attachment, Dyslexia, Low Arousal and Learning, Autism and the SEND Code of Practice 2015. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/faculty-of-education-and-childrens-services-30067575962
TED Talks
A great way to broaden your knowledge in different areas of education. https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_bodekaer_this_virtual_lab_will_revolutionize_science_class
Studio 3
Hosting a free webinar every Tuesday at 3pm UK Time (BST) on a series of topics from a range of speakers. These will be hour long live presentations with an hour of discussion in response to questions posted during the presentation.
https://www.studio3.org/free-webinars
ACEs Online Learning
Offering an introduction to adverse childhood experiences and early trauma. Certificate on completion
https://www.acesonlinelearning.com/
Doncaster Deaf Trust
Free online British Sign Language course (level 1).
https://www.doncasterdeafsign.org.uk/
OneEducation
Offering a range of free CPD courses. The full timetable, and the links to the courses, can be found on their Twitter.
https://twitter.com/oeschooldevelop.
The Lisa Miller Seminars
Lisa Miller has just set up a YouTube channel, providing free behaviour management training videos. If you’re looking to do some CPD on the go, her videos are clear and concise.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPFGb2cW73pEO91A-ih_zdA/videos
If you’re looking for a way to record all your CPD, I’ve uploaded a free CPD tracker.
