The Design and Technology Teacher Education Group

Published 4th June 2025

The Design and Technology Teacher Education Group (DTTEG) held its anticipated D&T Teacher Education Knowledge Exchange Symposium on Monday 2nd June, hosted by Make UK, in Birmingham, and sponsored by the Liverpool Institute for Research in Education (LIF). This event could prove to be a cornerstone for professionals in the field of D&T teacher education and development (be it initial teacher training or in-service CPD), fostering collaboration and innovation between universities, schools, MATs, D&T organisations and consultants.

This initiative was designed to be accessible for a diverse range of attendees, including primary and secondary specialists, university educators, school-based mentors, and both new and experienced D&T teacher educators. The event began with a welcome by Dr Matt McLain (Liverpool John Moores University), the DTTEG chair and co-founder, with an opening keynote by Janine Pavlis (St Mary’s University), a primary D&T teachers, drawing on her doctoral research. The keynote was followed by a panel discussion on the theme of “What is the future of D&T education?”, with panel members Bhav Prajapat (University of Brighton), Torben Steeg (Manchester Metropolitan and Birmingham City Universities), Jason Davies (Cardiff Metropolitan University), and Janine Pavlis.

Delegates also had the opportunity for a tour of the Make UK facilities, which are tailored to support Apprentices. After lunch, Dr Alison Hardy (Nottingham Trent University) delivered the afternoon keynote, urging D&T teachers to maximise our power, legitimacy and urgency as stakeholders. The last session before the closing ceremony were ‘speed dating’ style lightning talk presentations by Drew Wicken (Coop Academies), Kate Finlay (Inspiration Trust), Trudi Barrow (CLEAPPS), Joanne Taylor (D&T Consultant) and Ryan Ball (D&T Association), focusing on different aspects of D&T teacher education.

These sessions were designed to provide valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges in D&T education. Attendees having the opportunity to engage with leading experts, meet established and emerging teacher educators, share experiences, and contribute to shaping the future of D&T teacher education. One of the symposium's main attractions was the networking opportunities it offered delegates, who were able to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships that can lead to future collaborations. The event met is aims to nurture and grow a vibrant community of educators dedicated to advancing D&T teacher education, in the support of teachers delivering quality D&T learning in schools.

“What a fantastic Monday that was hanging out with a room full of passionate, creative D&T Teachers.” Leanne Mee on LinkedIn

Plans are in motion for future activities and a series of annual in-person events, which will be invaluable for anyone involved in D&T teachers. With its focus on collaboration, professional development, and innovation, the DTTEG promises to be a significant milestone in the journey towards bringing together D&T teachers across the country. 

Missed the event? It is not too late to get involved with DTTEG. Visit www.dtteg.com and check out the blog, or maybe even submit a blogpost about your D&T teacher education and development, look out for future events and activities.