Dr. Kulvarn Atwal has spent his entire career teaching and leading in East London schools, and is currently Executive Head Learning Leader of two large primary schools. He is the author of numerous articles and in 2019, published his first book, 'The Thinking School. Developing a Dynamic Learning Community'. Kulvarn specialises in teacher professional learning. His doctoral thesis investigated the factors that impact upon teacher engagement in professional learning activities, with a particular focus on action research. The model developed through this research has been used to shape leadership practice in schools across the world. He has spent many years working with student teachers and Early Career Teachers and has designed a professional learning programme for teachers in their first two years of teaching. Kulvarn believes that as teachers, each day brings opportunities to learn, grow and improve. This model of learning-focused teaching has resulted in one of the schools he leads achieving the Mayor of London's 'Schools for Success' Award for five consecutive years. He is currently working at a national policy level to improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment in our schools.
I loved this book! Dr Atwal presents his central theme of the importance of professional learning and engagement at the heart of schools persuasively and in an evidence-informed manner. He describes the teacher agency that energises colleagues who feel in control of their own learning and development. The impact of this work on the overall ethos of a 'Thinking School' is clear to see. I believe that our profession would be enriched beyond measure if colleagues embraced the ideas that are explored within this book. Highly recommended! -- Dame Alison Peacock, CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching