Professional development and values

This category covers your understanding and practice in the areas of teacher learning, classroom observation, professional development and critical reflection.

Every skill is described in relation to the four stages of development; Foundation, Developing, Proficient, and Expert. Below, we list some of the main competencies for each stage, plus some suggestions on how to develop further.

Foundation

• Have started to develop a basic understanding of the value of classroom observation and receiving feedback, and the importance of reflecting on their own teaching.
• Have limited awareness of their own beliefs about teaching and learning, and their strengths and weaknesses as a teacher.
• May or may not be aware of available professional development options and activities, and require guidance in self-assessing their needs.

Ways to develop further

Watch	Introducing the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) for Teachers Who Want to Develop Their Teaching Knowledge and Skills
Read	Doing peer observation as part of teacher research
Do	Keep a journal to identify and note learning points from each day of teaching. Do an action research project: identify an aspect of your teaching you wish to improve, try out a new activity in class and evaluate how it works.
Study	Consider taking a teaching qualification.

Developing

• Are aware of the importance of classroom observation and receiving feedback, actively seek observation and feedback on their own teaching, and respond positively to feedback.
• Reflect simply on a lesson even without guidance, and have some awareness of their own beliefs about teaching and learning, and of their strengths/ weaknesses as a teacher.
• Have some awareness of reflective practice and/or experimental practice.
• Are aware of available professional development options and activities, and are able to self-assess their needs.

Ways to develop further

Watch	Introducing the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT) for Teachers Who Want to Develop Their Teaching Knowledge and Skills
Read	Teaching one to one part 1 Teaching one to one part 2
Do	Keep a journal to identify learning points from teaching. Try out different ideas in your class, noting how they work. Carry out a small-scale action research project in your class, asking a more colleague for advice if necessary, and see what it tells you about your own teaching
Study	Consider taking a teaching qualification.

Proficient

• Have a good understanding of key issues and concepts in teacher learning and professional development.
• Actively seek observation and feedback on their own teaching, respond constructively to feedback, and can identify many of their own strengths and weaknesses as a teacher.
• Reflect critically on a lesson, often leading to action, have good awareness of their own beliefs about teaching and learning, Are very aware of available professional development options and activities, and are able to self-assess their needs and plan how to achieve their goals.
• Effectively take on different roles and responsibilities within the workplace, and may also be involved in supporting the development of other teachers, either formally or informally.

Ways to develop further

Watch	Introducing the New Cambridge English Teaching Framework
Read	Advice on starting your own language school
Do	Keep a journal and/or teaching portfolio and reflect on how your teaching impacts on students' learning. Read about action research and design a small-scale project on an aspect of your teaching you wish to improve. Share the results with colleagues.
Study	Consider taking a teaching qualification.

Expert

• Have a sophisticated understanding of key issues and concepts in teacher learning and professional development, and are highly committed to self-improvement.
• Consistently reflect critically on their teaching, regularly taking action as a result, and actively seek feedback.
• Are highly aware of their own beliefs about teaching and learning, recognise areas where there is a mismatch between their beliefs and best practice
• Are constantly aware of available professional development options and activities, regularly reassess their own strengths and weaknesses, and make detailed plans for how best to achieve their goals.
• Effectively take on many different roles and responsibilities, and are involved in formally supporting the development of other teachers through workshops, observations and/or career guidance.

Ways to develop further

Watch	Introducing the New Cambridge English Teaching Framework
Read	Finding balance, then staying interested
Do	Keep a detailed portfolio of lesson plans, materials, reflections, journal entries, and so on. Regularly undertake action research projects in your own classes. Adapt your teaching according to results, and share the results with colleagues through a workshop.
Study	Consider taking a teaching qualification.

Download the Cambridge English Teaching Framework – Competency statements

Download the Cambridge English Teaching Framework – Framework components

Cambridge English teaching qualifications

We provide industry-leading qualifications that prove what teachers of English can do. These qualifications are mapped to the Cambridge English Teaching Framework, and support teachers every step of the way by helping them build the skills and confidence they need to teach English effectively.

Learn more about teaching qualifications