HIGHLY skilled teachers from across the region have been sharing their expertise at a special conference, believed to be the first in the country, hosted by a leading college.
Carmel College in Darlington staged the event, which attracted 80 specialist leaders of education.
The conference was opened by Dr John Stephens, the deputy director of Teaching Schools and School Improvement.
Key speakers included Her Majesty’s Inspector David Brown, who put a human face on the work of Ofsted, and head teacher and North East representative of National Teaching School Council John Hardy.
Conference organiser and head of standards at Carmel Education Trust Janice Gorlach said everyone involved enjoyed a day of learning and positivity.
“The conference attracted people who are at the top of their game,” she said. “All these people are outstanding practitioners dedicated to helping other schools. They give so much and this was a chance to validate their work.”
Mr Brown was able to set their work in a regional and national context, enabling them to see their importance in raising standards.
He also gave a briefing on computing and e-safety for specialists ICT leaders to understand the changes schools are facing.
Trust chief executive Maura Regan said: “It was an incredibly successful conference and specialists left having had time to learn and share experiences with others in their field, including an HMI, who demonstrated the integrity behind and understanding of the issues Ofsted is trying to tackle.
“Carmel Teaching School Alliance has over 50 SLEs and appreciates what a powerful force they represent.
“I know the HMIs value the work of the SLEs in the pursuit of excellence. The conference aimed to recognise their work.”
