Introduction:
Professional Learning will always be a cornerstone of the iSP approach. Empowered educators that aspire to continually elevate their practice inspire the same relentless curiosity in their students, unlocking a lifelong love of learning.
In India, one of our newest regions, Professional Learning is helping its talented teachers and leaders embark on an educational transformation. Ruchira Ghosh, Learning Director of iSP schools in the region, has spent the past year shaping and refining the region’s professional learning curriculum. Her focus has been on developing teachers and leaders while fostering a culture of continuous learning. India’s engagement in professional learning stems from the belief that empowered educators are the key to unlocking student success.
Since September 2023, over 700 middle leaders and teachers have completed at least one of iSP’s learning programmes, including modules on the Learning Hub, iSP’s learning platform. And with over 100 set to take part in upcoming courses, the rollout of our Learning.First framework is well underway.
Here are five key concepts Ruchira and the central iSP team have leveraged to help grow confidence for leaders and teachers across India.
1. Establishing a shared language of learning
iSP’s unique approach to learning and professional education has a strong record of delivering results all over the world. But transitioning to a new school of thought can be difficult at first. To help every region succeed, it’s vital to quickly establish a shared language of learning across its iSP schools.
For Ruchira and the India team, the challenge was to create a professional learning curriculum for three schools (five campuses) at different stages of their iSP journey.
“Our region is fairly new to iSP, with one school having been with iSP for two years, another for a year and a half and a third who came on board less than a year ago,” explains Ruchira. “We are trying to develop a shared language of learning within the schools and get everyone to understand learning the way iSP approaches it.”
Just over a year into this process, the schools are already applying the iSP language of learning to create shared understanding within their communities. Educators from across the three schools engage in regular discussions, helping them understand how new, research-based strategies can deliver high-impact learning.
2. Facilitating continuous Professional Learning
An effective Professional Learning strategy goes deeper than a one-off course. “At iSP, we believe it’s like a fitness journey—where you’ll achieve and maintain the best results if you continually put the effort in,” explains Ruchira. Which is why, in collaboration with the iSP team, she has focused on building systems that allow teachers and leaders to continually reflect on and refresh their Professional Learning.
“My vision with Professional Learning for the region is to ensure that every teacher and leader has continuous opportunities to grow,” says Ruchira. “This empowers them to pass on this shared language of learning to the next generation of leaders and teachers, and eventually to the students.”
“Shifting from occasional workshops to a programme of continuous learning has been transformative,” she continues. The schools now have access to structured learning pathways, which are delivered through highly interactive, expertly facilitated virtual workshops and self-paced learning opportunities on the iSP Learning Hub—allowing professionals to learn from anywhere.
3. Driving collective teacher efficacy
The concept of collective teacher efficacy – the shared belief among educators that, as a team, they can positively impact student learning – is a significant driving force behind professional learning in ISP India. Research consistently supports our belief that schools with high collective efficacy see stronger collaboration, problem-solving, and support among teachers, even in challenging circumstances.
“We know that collective teacher efficacy has the greatest influence on student success,” Ruchira emphasises. “That’s why it’s such a central goal for us in the region.”
By creating networks for collaboration among teachers in different schools, iSP India has tapped into the power of collective efficacy. This approach strengthens teaching practices and builds a shared responsibility for student outcomes. Teachers feel more confident in their collective ability to drive success and can use each other for inspiration and guidance whenever they need to.
4. Building networks for systematic Professional Learning
Every school approaches Professional Learning differently, but a hallmark of iSP’s partnership is our clearly defined pathways. Prior to our involvement, Professional Learning in the three Indian schools was fragmented. Teachers attended workshops and courses, but there were few frameworks to progress and assess themselves against. iSP has since transformed the landscape by providing opportunities supporting sustainable Professional Learning and growth.
“With iSP’s support, we’ve shifted from sporadic training to building structured pathways for professional growth,” says Ruchira. “This includes mentorship and learning communities that encourage collaboration across schools.”
Now, iSP India’s schools have access to diverse virtual workshops and cross-school collaborations. Our global best practices have connected educators across the region, breathing life into a thriving learning community where professional growth potential is unlimited.
5. Showcasing the value of Professional Learning
Professional Learning isn’t usually seen by parents and is something of an invisible endeavour. However, when it is so integral to a school’s unique learning philosophy, it deserves to be highlighted. According to Ruchira, iSP has been instrumental in helping India make the value of Professional Learning visible to everyone.
“Parents don’t always fully understand what happens behind the scenes in education beyond classroom teaching,” Ruchira explains. “Showing them the depth of our Professional Learning programmes highlights our commitment to excellence.”
Ruchira and the central iSP team are helping parents and other stakeholders gain a deeper understanding of just how committed iSP schools are to Professional Learning. Their goal is to demonstrate how investing in teachers creates superior learning environments where students can thrive.
The next chapter for iSP India
As iSP India looks to the future, the ongoing support from iSP’s global network will continue to be essential. Our resources, expertise and collaborative networks have opened new doors for educators to learn global best practices worldwide. Ruchira’s long-term goal is to help every iSP leader and teacher feel empowered to lead and grow together.
“iSP’s global perspective is essential to our future success,” Ruchira notes. “With this support, we can continue building a culture where professional development is embedded in the DNA of our schools.”
Helping confidence grow in India
As Learning Director, Ruchira has witnessed firsthand how iSP’s support has empowered the region to build a sustainable Professional Learning model. Through its shared language of learning and new, collaborative networks, iSP India is improving the quality of education in its schools and setting the stage for lasting success.
For educators looking to grow in a dynamic, collaborative environment, iSP offers more than just a career. Recognised as a Provider of Training Excellence by the UK’s Continuing Professional Development Standards Office (CPDSO), we offer world-class pathways to a better future in education. Our groundbreaking schools give you a chance to be part of a global movement committed to continuous professional growth and improved student outcomes.
