If you work in education today, you will already feel the pace of digital change. Technology is part of everything we do, from planning and teaching to assessment, communication and pastoral support. But recent research shows that while digital tools are now part of everyday practice, confidence and impact vary significantly across the sector (DfE, 2023; Jisc, 2025).
So the big question is this: what professional development do educators truly need right now to feel confident, capable and future ready?
1. A deeper understanding of digital pedagogy
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF, 2021) reminds us that technology should only be used when it improves teaching and learning, not for the sake of using digital tools. This is where professional development has to go deeper than tool demonstrations. Educators need practical support that helps them design for online, hybrid and blended learning, understand learning analytics, and create assessments that feel authentic and are resilient to AI use.
Too many teachers have been left to figure this out alone. A pedagogy-first approach is now essential.
2. Confidence with AI and emerging technologies
AI is becoming part of everyday learning far faster than many teachers expected. Jisc’s Learner Digital Experience Insights Report shows that one in four learners are already using AI tools independently, and this is increasing rapidly (Jisc, 2025). Ofsted’s recent report warns that the biggest barrier to effective AI adoption is not the technology itself, but a lack of staff training and confidence (Ofsted, 2025).
Teachers are asking for clear, grounded guidance on how AI works, how to use it for teaching and feedback, how to maintain academic integrity, and how to keep learners safe. This is an area where CPD is urgently needed, but also full of opportunity.
Ideas of potential CPD opportunities for 2026.
3. Inclusion and digital equity
Even with all the progress made since the pandemic, access is still a major issue. Jisc reports that almost half of FE learners do not have a suitable device, and 59 percent experience Wi-Fi issues (Jisc, 2025). Teachers face similar challenges. The Tech4Teachers White Paper (Digital Poverty Alliance, 2024) found that 47 percent of staff lacked access to suitable technology until targeted support was provided.
Professional development has to equip educators to design inclusive digital experiences that do not leave disadvantaged learners behind. Digital equity is not a side topic. It is foundational to everything else.
4. Leadership that understands digital change
The European Commission (2021) and the DfE (2025) both emphasise that effective digital transformation requires confident leadership and coherent strategies. This means leaders need training too, not just classroom teachers.
Professional development for leaders should include digital maturity audits, planning for infrastructure, evaluating EdTech investment and supporting staff to experiment and innovate. Without strategic leadership, even the most talented teachers cannot build sustainable digital practice.
5. Strong grounding in digital ethics, safety and wellbeing
As digital tools continue to grow, ethical and safe use becomes a daily consideration. UNESCO’s EdTech Tragedy report warns that uncritical or poorly regulated technology can deepen inequalities and damage learner wellbeing (UNESCO, 2023).
Educators need CPD on data protection, cyber security, digital wellbeing, and understanding where risks appear in the classroom. This is not about fear. It is about giving teachers confidence to make informed, ethical decisions that protect learners while embracing opportunity.
A sector at a turning point
Across all the research, one message keeps coming through: digital tools are advancing faster than staff training, policy and infrastructure can keep up (DfE, 2025; Jisc, 2025; UNESCO, 2023). Educators want support that is practical, meaningful and rooted in pedagogy, inclusion and ethical practice.
Ultimately, teachers do not just need more CPD. They need the right CPD. Training that builds confidence. Training that reduces workload. Training that helps them thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
And if we invest in this now, we do more than keep pace with change. We help shape the future of teaching.
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Bibliography
Department for Education (DfE) 2023. EdTech: Enhancing teaching, learning and assessment. London: Department for Education.
Department for Education (DfE) 2025. Curriculum and Assessment Review. London: Department for Education.
Digital Poverty Alliance 2024. Tech4Teachers White Paper. Digital Poverty Alliance.
Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) 2021. Using Digital Technology to Improve Learning. London: EEF.
European Commission 2021. Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027. Brussels: European Commission.
Jisc 2025. Learner Digital Experience Insights Report 2024/25: Further Education. Bristol: Jisc.
Ofsted 2025. The Biggest Risk is Doing Nothing: The Role of AI in Education. London: Ofsted.
Timotheou, A., et al. 2022. Digital Technology and its Impact on Teaching, Learning and Educational Ecosystems. [Publication details as provided].
Tuomi, I., Cachia, R. and Villar-Onrubia, D. 2023. On the Futures of Technology in Education. Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission.
UNESCO 2023. The EdTech Tragedy: Education, Technology and the Risks of Digital Inequality. Paris: UNESCO.
5Rights Foundation 2023. Children’s Rights in the Digital World. 5Rights Foundation.