How do I choose a development focus?

Choosing a development focus is the first step in setting up a development cycle. Your focus will be a specific element or dimension of great teaching that you want to improve during the cycle. Research indicates that all areas of the Model for Great Teaching are valuable aspects of practice to spend time developing, but selecting one clear focus helps you direct your efforts effectively. Focusing on a single area allows you to engage more deeply with your professional learning and the development of your practice, rather than spreading your attention too broadly. It also enables you to work on something meaningful to your own context, whether that’s addressing a particular challenge or exploring an area of interest.

In some cases, your focus may be agreed at a school, department, or team level, often linked to wider improvement priorities and supporting collaboration with colleagues. In other situations, teachers or small groups may choose their own focus based on individual needs. If you’re unsure where to begin, exploring the Model for Great Teaching page within the platform and using the self-assessment tool can help you reflect on your current practice and identify a suitable area to begin with.