Promoting diversity-responsive teacher educators: the impact of a tailored professional development initiative

Teacher educators have a crucial role to create diversity-responsive education. However, many of them feel insecure to become role models for the next generation of teachers in this matter. Tailored professional development initiatives (PDI) to foster diversity-responsive teacher educators are therefore needed. This mixed methods intervention study investigates the impact of such a PDI in Flanders, involving 17 teacher educators from two higher education colleges. The PDI, designed using evidence-informed principles and a participatory process, aimed to (1) raise awareness of diversity-responsive practices, (2) increase their implementation, and (3) foster a critical stance. The three objectives were determined by the research literature. Results indicate that the PDI effectively reached these objectives and, additionally, boosted their confidence to be diversity-responsive role models. Key elements contributing to the PDI’s success included the introduction of a shared languages, the modelling of safe learning environments by the facilitators of the PDI, and the use of peer-coaching sessions. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and educators, emphasising the importance of tailored professional development to promote inclusive and equitable education.