The IPDA Podcast

Voices from the Front Line • Episode 1: Dr Emily Sayers

In this episode of Voices from the Front line, host Derek Boyle speaks with Dr Emily Sayers, Senior Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University, about the complex and evolving world of teacher education. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience, Emily reflects on her multifaceted role as a teacher educator, researcher, and mentor, and explores how student teachers develop their professional identities. The conversation highlights the importance of critical reflection, diverse educational philosophies, and collaborative professional learning in shaping effective and adaptive educators.

Conference Conversations - Emerging Researcher Focus - part 4

This two-part podcast continues our series around emerging researchers engaging with the IPDA conference.  In this episode our team are speaking with emerging researcher Lynn about what do do following a conference, including how to make the most of the talks you attended, the contacts you have made and touching on publishing your work.

Conference Conversations - Emerging Researcher Focus - part 3

This two-part podcast continues our series around emerging researchers engaging with the IPDA conference.  In this episode our team answer some key questions for Lynne, who is hoping to present at the event. This includes tips on making a presentation, as well as dealing with Q&A and how to make the most of the conference opportunity.

Conference conversations: IPDA Ireland Chair Aoife Brennan

In this episode Stuart Mitchell discusses the forthcoming IPDA Conference in Dublin with Aoife Brennan, Chair of IPDA Ireland. With an insight into Aoife's and her work, as well as what we can expect in Ireland in June.

Conference Conversations - Emerging Researcher Focus - part 2

This is two-part episode featuring emerging researcher Louise in conversation with her colleagues about the value of engaging in academic conferences to develop her professional identity and confidence. They discussed how attending events like the IPDA International Conference offers a supportive community for researchers and practitioners to share ideas, receive constructive feedback, network, and connect with others interested in professional learning and development. Her peers encouraged her to start by submitting an abstract, perhaps a summary of her current study. They explained that conferences welcome a range of contributions, from traditional paper presentations to posters, symposia, round tables, and even creative formats such as practice spotlight, or accessible formats such as online Lightning Talks. Through these exchanges, Louise began to see conferences not only as places to present finished work but as spaces for collaboration, reflection, and growth within a vibrant, supportive and affirming professional learning community.