Using professional development to recruit (and keep) top educators

In the competitive world of international education, schools are not only evaluated by their curriculum or reputation – but also by the opportunities they offer for professional growth. For many educators, the presence of a strong professional development programme can be a deciding factor when weighing up job offers. Teachers want to work in environments that invest in their growth, recognise their potential, and support their career aspirations.

For international schools seeking to attract top-tier talent, showcasing your commitment to ongoing development is no longer optional – it’s a recruitment advantage.

Professional growth as a key motivator

Today’s educators, particularly those from newer generations like Gen Z and Millennials, are driven by purpose, progression, and impact. They’re looking for roles that offer more than a payslip—they want to know how they’ll grow in their careers. Opportunities for continuous learning, skill advancement, and leadership development play a significant role in where they choose to work.

International schools that offer structured professional development—whether through training workshops, leadership pathways, external certifications, or cross-campus learning exchanges—are far more likely to appeal to these aspirational candidates.

Shaping school culture and reputation

Professional development doesn’t just benefit individual staff—it shapes the overall teaching culture of a school. A visible commitment to training and upskilling fosters a collaborative, future-focused work environment. Schools known for their investment in people often build stronger reputations in the international community, attracting not just teachers but also families who value innovative, well-supported educators.

Highlighting your school’s approach to development in job ads, on your careers page, and during interviews can help set you apart from schools that focus solely on contract details.

Improving retention and internal mobility

Candidates are increasingly asking not just “What’s the job?” but “Where can this job take me?” When teachers can clearly see a pathway forward—from classroom teaching to curriculum leadership or pastoral roles—they’re more likely to stay. Schools that promote from within and support career transitions not only retain valuable staff but also create powerful recruitment stories.

By showcasing internal success stories and staff testimonials, schools can demonstrate a proven commitment to development, helping attract candidates who want to grow with their school.

Using development as a recruitment tool

Schools can actively integrate professional development into their recruitment strategy by:

• Featuring development opportunities prominently in job descriptions
• Including PD pathways as part of onboarding conversations
• Highlighting success stories and growth journeys on social media
• Discussing ongoing training plans during interviews

These touchpoints help position your school as one that values educators as professionals, not just employees.

How Tes Staff Management supports development-focused recruitment

Tes Staff Management (previously known as Schrole Connect) allows schools to manage the full recruitment process while aligning it with professional development goals. Schools can:

• Track a teacher’s development journey and qualifications over time
• Identify internal candidates for leadership or specialist roles
• Include development-related vacancy questions to gauge interest and alignment
• Manage appraisals, training records, and performance reviews in one platform

By linking recruitment with professional growth, Tes Staff Management helps schools build dynamic teams with long-term potential.

Invest in your people, attract the best

Professional development is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s a must-have for schools that want to recruit and retain top international educators. By embedding growth into your school culture and using it as a key part of your recruitment messaging, you’ll attract teachers who are committed, ambitious, and ready to contribute.

Looking to showcase your development opportunities more effectively? Contact us to see how we can support your recruitment strategy and teacher growth initiatives.