Teacher professional learning in the Republic of Ireland policy development to policy enactment

This book presents critical perspectives on the professional learning and professional development of educators as interpreted in 14 countries across Europe. Bringing together the comments of European education experts, the book fulfils a need for a better understanding of the changing nature of teacher professional learning in national policy contexts and of the cultural differences existing between various systems. It discusses the new thinking that has emerged in the field of teacher education alongside new models that reflect the changing patterns and policies relating to the ways educational professionals maintain and enhance professional practice. The book highlights that new models of teacher leadership and practitioner inquiry have a strong focus on pedagogy and social justice but are not in place in all countries. It also examines briefly the challenges brought about by the COVID pandemic and the ways in which new approaches to professional learning, specifically the use of new technologies, have begun to transform practice in some countries in Europe. The book gives insights into the ways in which professional learning policy is interpreted and applied in practice. It will be highly relevant for researchers and post-graduate students in the fields of teacher professional learning and development, school leadership, comparative education, and educational policy and planning