The Chartered College of Teaching has launched a new initiative that will see teachers promote ongoing professional learning and evidence-informed approaches within their schools. Over 60 teachers have already volunteered to become a Research Champion in their school. Research Champions are empowered to build an evidence-informed culture within their context.

Using resources from the Chartered College of Teaching, Research Champions will promote ongoing professional development, supporting colleagues to engage with research and to develop evidence-informed practice. 

While the majority are senior leaders, there is a small number of classroom teachers along with middle leaders and lead practitioners. And while most, for now at least, are the sole Research Champion in their school, in one sixth form college there are six, allowing them to share responsibility and develop a collaborative approach to professional development.

Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching, said

“When there is so much concern about teachers’ workload, I’m delighted at the enthusiasm from teachers wanting to actively contribute to the culture of continuous learning. Engaging with research is vital to building professional knowledge and practice, and to improving education for all pupils. Becoming a Research Champion opens up a wealth of resources to support schools on this journey, and offers opportunities for teachers to grow their own understanding, to collaborate with other experts, and to develop leadership skills.“Our Research Champions tell us that they are already being recognised as the ‘go-to-person’ in their schools and beyond, and enjoying opportunities to build networks of expertise. My hope is that by empowering teachers to build their research practice, we are contributing to a movement that will encourage more to stay in the profession.”