Continuing professional development for vocational teachers and trainers in Serbia

In Serbia the importance of continuing professional development (CPD) for vocational education and training (VET) teachers is not in question. Serbia has developed extensive policies over a number of years to address this issue and some are currently being implemented. However, improving the quality and quantity of CPD is not without its difficulties. It is vital that policy making, implementation and impact are continuously reviewed and understood to ensure feedback and policy learning that will assist policy makers. In support of this objective, this study presents the following: (1) an overview of current policy objectives with respect to improving CPD for VET teachers and trainers; (2) a description of the provision of CPD for VET teachers and trainers and the way in which teachers' needs are assessed and particular programmes are assigned to teachers; (3) an explanation of how the arrangements for CPD fit with other parts of the VET system; (4) an evaluation of how well current arrangements are working; and (5) recommendations on how current policies can be implemented and how the provision and allocation of CPD can be improved.

Key recommendations are to: support and fund regional centres for professional development; ensure relevance of the professional development offer by keeping the accreditation process open, and encouraging provision that connects with the economy and with new technologies and pedagogies; and explore ways of enhancing the role of vocational schools in shaping CPD so that provision is linked to school priorities.

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