What is this Digital Badge and what does it aim to achieve?
This is a free professional development course focuses on middle leadership in educational settings, helping assistant principals, middle leaders, and aspiring leaders strengthen instructional leadership and build leadership capacity. The aim is to use evidence to plan for research, design action plans, and improve teaching and learning.
The Digital Badge programmes at T-REX were developed in collaboration with working educators, the Teaching Council, and the NCCA.
Who is this course for?
Educators across all sectors Early Years, Primary, Post-primary, Further Education, Higher Education, and Support Services in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (No approval from your educational setting is required.)
Who is running the course?
The course is run by T-REX (the Teachers’ Research Exchange), a project supported by the Department of Education & Youth, the Teaching Council, NCCA. The programme was developed in collaboration with practising teachers, and is facilitated in partnership with the Education Support Centres of Ireland.
How is the course delivered?
Format: 4 self-directed online modules + 3 live webinars (recorded for flexibility)
Discussions with peer learners: 4 meetings (online, hybrid, or face-to-face)
Tutor Support: Available via email and scheduled online sessions
What is the time commitment and cost?
Duration: 8 weeks
Time: Approx. 2.5 hours per week
Cost: FREE
What assessment/coursework is required: Development of an Action Plan
There is no formal assessment or coursework involved in this course. The aim is to sharpen your skills for research and evaluating evidence, and is “light touch” - with a focus on process as much as product.
In order to complete the course, you are required to engage with content and activity each week, as well as engage fully with your peer group, which is required to meet (online or in-person) a minimum of three times over the course of the eight weeks. Peer groups are formed based on location, setting, and meeting preferences. Each member confirms participation at the end, which is essential for badge certification.
Participants complete an Action Plan which is a brief, clearly structured, practice-focused document supported by course materials and peer dialogue. The action plan is specific to you, and practical changes in your own professional setting.
Your peer group will verify your commitment to the course and your completion/undertaking of all necessary course elements. Upon receipt of this confirmation, you will be awarded the Digital Badge.
What will I learn / What does the course cover?
This course focuses on wellbeing in educational settings and aims to help you:
Understand wellbeing and its importance in education
Identify and apply research-based strategies to enhance wellbeing
Analyse current wellbeing initiatives in your own context
Explore and critique research evidence to inform decision-making
Develop an evidence-informed Action Plan tailored to your setting
Use research to guide future practices for promoting wellbeing
Live Webinar Schedule
Week 1: Welcome & Introduction to Wellbeing – TBA
Week 5: Expert Evening – TBA
Week 6: Drop in session – TBA
Week 7: Drop in session – TBA
Week 8: Final Session & Action Plan Support – TBA
When does the next course start and how do I sign up?
The next cohort of the Digital Badge will open for registration soon. To register your interest in this free online course, follow this link and we will contact you when registration opens.
Who can I chat with if I have questions
Please feel free to get in touch with rex@mic.ul.ie for support.