Background
SWITLO project evolves from our teacher development course, Teaching and Learning in Difficult Times (TLiDT), initiated in August 2022 to help Ukrainian teachers navigate the challenges of teaching during wartime. You may learn more about the course, its participants and outcomes here.
In August 2023, TLiDT was revamped in response to Ministry of Education requests and participants’ feedback, aiming to expand its reach to more teachers nationwide.
Aim
The SWITLO project supports teachers in:
a) building a strong community of practice through interaction and reflection.
b) empowering them to design their own CPD programme based on their needs.
It is based on the Teacher Activity Groups (TAGs), where teachers learn from each other. This approach offers sustainable continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for teachers.
Project duration
The Skills and Well-being In Teacher Learning Opportunities (SWITLO) project timeline is November 2023 - March 2026.
Participants of the project
As part of the SWITLO project, we plan to create opportunities for 1500 English teachers to become TAG facilitators. During the training, teachers will learn how to create community of practice, organise effective and dynamic discussions, and plan their professional development according to their current professional needs.
It is expected that approximately 10 teachers will be engaged in each TAG. The groups will meet at least once a month to participate in professional development workshops led by the TAG facilitator.
English teachers who join such TAGs will receive materials that help raise awareness of trauma-sensitivity in teaching, understand how to maintain safe learning environment, both learners and teachers well-being and address professional needs of teachers during and after the end of hostilities in Ukraine.
Partners
In the SWITLO project we engage with TAG facilitators and the leadership teams of the schools where the TAGs operate. The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, INSETTs, and the assistance of professional development Centres.
This cooperation is a crucial aspect of the project, ensuring the ongoing support and engagement of TAG facilitators throughout the process.