About IPDA
About IPDA
The International Professional Development Association (IPDA) currently has more than 200 members across 17 countries.
IPDA members are united in their desire to enhance the quality and effectiveness of Professional Development. They are engaged in professional learning and development in all phases of education and training and in a wide variety of work locations.
IPDA was founded in 1968 as the in-service section of what was then the Association of Teachers in Colleges and Departments of Education.
We aim to...
support and promote professional development and learning of education practitioners and across practitioner contexts
stimulate independent critical discussion about policy and practice through networks and fora
facilitate and disseminate research and scholarship related to professional development and learning
have international reach and global conversations, connecting practitioners and practitioner educators across borders
actively engage with other groups with a commitment to practitioner learning
constitution
The IPDA constitution was initially received and approved at the Annual General Meeting of the Association held on the 4th November, 2001 where it was agreed that the Constitution should come into force from 1st January 2002.
The changes, documented in the ‘History’ at the end of the constitution reflect the continuing growth and development of the association.
The latest revisions to the constitution were approved by IPDA members at the AGM in November 2018. The revisions include updating the title of the new journal; separation of the role of Honorary Treasurer and Membership Secretary; and clarification on appointments to Editorial Boards of journals.
National associations
IPDA has encouraged the growth of regional and national associations. Associations have their own elected committees with the chairs of those committees represented on the IPDA international committee.
There are on-going discussions with colleagues in Europe and overseas for further regional and national associations to be launched, illustrating that IPDA is both a truly UK wide and fully international organisation.
If you are interested in setting up an IDPA Association in your country please download the Guide for New Associations.
Events, Journals & Awards
Regular events
The annual international conference is the main event where members from across the association come together. The conference is known as a supportive environment for new researchers, as well as a place to develop research collaborations and partnerships. Additionally, our associations hold regular events for their members.
Journals
Our journals are an important part of the academic contribution that IPDA makes to professional learning and have a wide international community of readers and contributors. They are one of the many benefits of membership available to IPDA members.
IPDA is rightly proud of the international reputation of Professional Development in Education (previously named ‘Journal of In-Service Education’).
In 2019 IPDA’s second journal will be launching. Practice: Contemporary Issues in Practitioner Education is aimed at practitioners, professionals and researchers exploring innovative, creative and original approaches to work in the field of practitioner education.
Awards
Every year, a number of prizes are awarded by IPDA for outstanding contributions to professional development. The prize winners are invited to the annual international conference where the presentations take place.
All IPDA members are eligible to nominate students who, in their judgement, are making an outstanding contribution to the professional development of others, for the IPDA prize, or to nominate members of at least five years standing who have attained eminence in the field of professional development or of significant service to the field of professional development of educators whether it be through their research, teaching, coordinating or management contribution or service to IPDA for an IPDA fellowship. Up to two IPDA research scholarships are awarded each year too.
