Head of Professional Learning & Development — International School Group, Prague, Czech Republic

About the Role

This senior leadership position within a prestigious international school group, headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, offers a unique opportunity to shape the professional growth of educators across multiple global campuses. As the Head of Professional Learning & Development (PLD), you will be responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating comprehensive training programs that foster pedagogical excellence, promote innovative teaching practices, and align with the group's educational vision and international curricula (e.g., IB, IGCSE). You will work closely with school principals, academic heads, and teaching staff to identify needs, champion best practices, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.

This role is far removed from a typical HR training function; it requires deep pedagogical insight, strong leadership skills, and an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within international education. You will be a thought leader, mentor, and strategic partner, ensuring that all teachers, from newly qualified to highly experienced, have access to high-quality professional development that directly impacts student learning outcomes. The ideal candidate will be an experienced educator with a track record of successful PLD implementation and a passion for empowering teachers.

Your work will involve both strategic planning at the group level and hands-on facilitation and coaching. You'll navigate cultural nuances across different school locations, leveraging technology to deliver engaging and effective professional learning. This is an exciting role for someone ready to make a significant impact on teacher quality and student success across an international network.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for professional learning and development across the international school group.
• Design, curate, and deliver high-quality professional development programs, workshops, and coaching for all teaching staff.
• Conduct ongoing needs assessments to identify areas for growth and improvement in pedagogical practice.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of PLD initiatives through surveys, observations, and impact on student learning data.
• Manage and mentor a team of PLD coordinators or internal trainers, where applicable.
• Introduce and embed innovative teaching methodologies and educational technologies into professional learning.
• Stay abreast of global best practices in education and professional development, integrating relevant findings.
• Foster a collaborative learning culture among educators and facilitate professional learning communities (PLCs).
• Manage budgets and resources allocated for professional learning and development programs.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in education, with at least 3-5 years in a significant leadership role focused on professional development or school improvement.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering effective professional learning for K-12 educators.
• Strong understanding of international curricula (IB Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, Diploma Programme, IGCSE, A-Levels).
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and inspire teaching staff across diverse cultural contexts.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with various professional learning models, including coaching, mentoring, and online learning platforms.
• Analytical skills to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven decisions.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential; proficiency in other languages beneficial.

Salary & Benefits

The salary for a Head of Professional Learning & Development within a leading international school group in Prague, Czech Republic, typically ranges from CZK 1,200,000 to CZK 1,800,000 per annum. This reflects the senior nature of the role, the leadership responsibilities, and the competitive international school market. Salaries are often paid in CZK but may be benchmarked against Western European remuneration practices.

Alongside a strong base salary, a comprehensive benefits package is standard for such a role. This commonly includes an allowance for housing, annual flights home, private health insurance (often including family coverage), and a substantial professional development budget. Tuition fee discounts for dependent children attending the school group are also a common and highly valued benefit. Relocation support, including visa assistance, is typically provided.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

A day in this role might begin with a virtual meeting with a principal from one of the group's schools in Asia, discussing their specific PLD needs for the upcoming semester, perhaps around integrating project-based learning. You might then spend time researching new educational technologies or pedagogical approaches that could benefit the teaching staff, preparing a proposal for a new workshop series.

The afternoon could involve facilitating a session for new teachers on effective classroom management strategies, followed by individual coaching with an experienced teacher looking to refine their assessment practices. You might also dedicate time to reviewing feedback from recent professional development initiatives, analyzing their impact, and planning adjustments for future programs. Collaboration with the curriculum team to ensure PLD aligns with curriculum updates would also be a regular activity, rounding out a dynamic and impactful day.

Career Growth & Outlook

Demand for skilled leaders in professional learning and development is on a strong upward trajectory within the international school sector. As schools increasingly focus on teacher quality as a key driver of student success, the expertise of a Head of PLD becomes invaluable. Career growth opportunities could include progressing to a group-level Director of Education role, taking on a senior leadership position at a single large international school (e.g., Deputy Head of School for Academics), or transitioning into educational consultancy.

Prague and the wider Central European region are experiencing significant growth in the international education sector, making this a strategically important hub. Individuals with proven success in enhancing teacher capabilities and student outcomes are highly sought after globally. The skills in curriculum development, leadership, coaching, and strategic planning gained in this role are highly transferable, opening doors to diverse senior roles in education worldwide.

How to Apply

To apply for a position as a Head of Professional Learning & Development, candidates typically need to submit a comprehensive application. This usually includes a detailed CV that highlights leadership experience, professional development achievements, and international school background. A compelling cover letter should articulate your vision for professional learning, your pedagogical philosophy, and how your experience aligns with the school group's values and needs. You will usually be asked to provide references from previous leadership roles.

Applications are typically submitted through the official career portals of the international school group or through specialized international education recruitment agencies. Networking within the international school community, attending education leadership conferences, and maintaining an up-to-date professional online presence on platforms like LinkedIn are also beneficial strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most critical aspect of effective professional learning in an international school context? A: The most critical aspect is relevance and applicability. Professional learning must directly address the specific needs and contexts of international school educators, who often teach diverse student populations using international curricula. It needs to be practical, research-informed, and directly transferable to their classrooms, fostering a culture of continuous inquiry and adaptation.

Q: How does this role differ from a typical 'HR Training Manager' position? A: This role is deeply pedagogical, requiring a strong understanding of teaching and learning, curriculum frameworks, and educational leadership. Unlike a generic HR training manager who might cover compliance or soft skills, a Head of PLD focuses specifically on enhancing instructional practices, student outcomes, and the academic health of the institution. It's an educational leadership role first and foremost.

Q: Is prior experience in curriculum development essential for this role? A: While not always a strict prerequisite, strong familiarity with curriculum development and implementation, especially within international frameworks like the IB or IGCSE, is highly advantageous. Professional learning is often tied to curriculum initiatives, so understanding how curriculum is designed, delivered, and assessed helps in creating relevant and impactful development programs for teaching staff.