The pub is a great British tradition. For centuries, people have used it to get away from the daily grind, to enjoy a libation of their choosing and to put the world to rights with people who share their interests.
So, it’s astonishing that it took teachers until December 2017 to realise that it might be the perfect setting for a spot of professional development.
BrewEd was the brainchild of Ed Finch, a teacher at Larkrise Primary School in Oxford, and Daryn Egan-Simon, an information teacher educator, researcher and writer. They both enjoyed learning about the profession they love, but wanted to do it in a more relaxed and informal setting.
Since their first event in Sheffield, the format has popped up all over the UK, with teachers keen to replicate the unique blend of learning opportunity and social event. And, in 2019, BrewEd has really taken off, with more events than ever being planned across the country (and beyond).
BrewEd: Refreshing teacher CPD
Speaking to Tes earlier this year, Finch said that the events felt “authentic and genuine” for attendees. “You don’t just sit in an audience, you’re a part of a day, part of a conversation. It’s about philosophy, it’s about pedagogy, it about ideas that shape practice, not about tips for teaching.”
That egalitarian approach to BrewEd is as refreshing as the beverages on offer: anyone can sign up to present a talk - regardless of whether they are a teacher or a leader, an experienced edu-celeb or a complete newcomer.
They have even, on occasion, been very welcoming to members of the press - I was lucky enough to speak at #BrewEdHerts earlier in the year and so can speak from personal experience about the innovation, passion and great ideas that come across during the course of the day.
The best thing about the movement is that it is truly grassroots - organised by teachers, for teachers. Fans of the concept have described it on Twitter as “like going to the pub with your ideal staffroom”, and see it as “empowering, refreshing and collaborative”. And its popularity is clear - BrewEd events for next year are already selling out, despite being months away.
The reason it has caught on with teachers is simple, Finch has said. “I think it really does wonders for their self-esteem and professional identities. It makes them feel like players as opposed to pawns.”
And it’s the same for him, too: “After 17 years of teaching, the BrewEd events simply keep me alive and keep me learning.”
Anyone fancy a pint?
