This session by Dr Richard Churches will cover findings from a forthcoming research report by Education Development Trust that explores teacher licensing as a powerful policy lever for improving education quality and system coherence. Drawing on in-depth case studies from a wide range of countries—including Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Vietnam, Estonia, and Ghana—the report provides a comparative analysis of licensing systems across centralised, decentralised, and hybrid models. The session will examine how teacher licensing, when coherently aligned with professional standards, initial teacher education, and continuing development, can enhance public trust, support teacher growth, and drive long-term improvements in student outcomes.
The presentation will share a three-dimensional policy design model developed to help governments visualise reform possibilities across governance, licensing structure, and professional development integration. It will also highlight practical lessons for system leaders designing or revising teacher licensing frameworks, including strategies for embedding evidence-informed professional learning, ensuring equity in access, and building robust oversight.
