When Teachers Teach Teachers | A Conversation with Dr. Ciara O'Donnell

This conversation explores the role of teacher educators, their unique challenges, and the dynamics of career transitions within the education sector. Dr. Ciara O' Donnell discusses the identity transformation that occurs during secondment, the impact of educational policies on teacher retention, and the skills required to effectively educate teachers. Our discussion highlights the importance of professional learning and the privilege of working with fellow educators to drive meaningful change in the education system.

Takeaways

• Teacher educators are a diverse and distinct group within the profession.
• Career dynamics and teacher life phases influence decisions to move into teacher education.
• Secondment can lead to identity transformation and disconnection from previous roles.
• Policies surrounding secondment can impact teacher retention negatively.
• Teacher educators often face challenges in navigating their roles and responsibilities.
• Effective teacher education requires understanding adult learning principles.
• Teacher educators play a vital role in bridging policy and practice.
• The role of a teacher educator is both a privilege and a challenge.

Episode Partners

The University of Warwick's International Programmes | Learn more at warwick.ac.uk

The International Curriculum Association's Global.Learn.Connect Netherlands: Learn more

Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on LinkedIn and Bluesky. My website is shaneleaning.com and email address is shane@shaneleaning.com.

About the host

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports international schools globally. He co-founded Work Collaborative and hosts the chat-topping school leadership podcast, Education Leaders. Previously, he worked as Regional Head of Teaching Development for Nord Anglia Education. Passionate about empowering educators, he is currently co-authoring 'Change Starts Here.' As a CollectivEd Fellow, Teacher Development Trust Associate, and TEDx speaker, Shane has extensive experience in the UK and Asia and is a recognised voice in international education leadership. Learn more at shaneleaning.com.

Join Shane's Intensive Leadership Programme at educationleaders.co/intensive

Shane Leaning, an organisational coach based in Shanghai, supports school leaders globally. Passionate about empowment, he is the author of the best-selling 'Change Starts Here.' Shane is a leading educational voice in the UK, Asia and around the world.

You can find Shane on LinkedIn and Bluesky. or shaneleaning.com

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