Teachers Research Exchange (T-REX): Using evidence for Middle Leadership in Educational Settings

Issued on 21 Apr 2026 by

The Teachers' Research Exchange (T-REX)

This digital badge supports middle leaders in using inquiry to strengthen teaching and learning in their own school contexts. It is designed to make research practical and relevant by helping middle leaders to plan small-scale action research projects that address real instructional challenges or opportunities. Many teachers and school leaders are eager to use evidence to guide decision-making, yet it can be difficult to know which approaches are most effective in improving teaching and learning. This digital badge will guide you in framing focused, research-based inquiries that connect your leadership practice to meaningful improvements in classrooms, aligned with your school’s priorities.

#Leadership #T-REX

Issuer

The Teachers' Research Exchange (T-REX)

rex@mic.ul.ie

Criteria

To be awarded the digital badge, participants are expected to demonstrate meaningful engagement with the programme and to provide evidence that they have developed the core capabilities associated with evidence-informed instructional leadership. During the structured phase of the badge (Weeks 1–4), this involves completing the weekly learning activities, contributing to online discussions in the T-Rex group for this digital badge, and engaging in peer triad meetings. These activities are designed to support participants in developing an understanding of the research process, the role of evidence in educational decision-making, and the skills required to locate, read, and critically evaluate research.

During the application phase (Weeks 5–8), participants are expected to work more independently to complete an action plan that translates research evidence into a proposed, context-relevant change in practice. The action plan focuses on identifying a clearly defined problem or situation in the participant’s setting, formulating a research-informed question, reviewing relevant research, and considering how findings could inform small, realistic steps towards improvement. Participants are also expected to reflect on the robustness, relevance, and applicability of the evidence, as well as how the impact of any proposed changes might be evaluated.

A final peer group meeting in Week 8 forms part of the verification process. This meeting provides an opportunity for participants to confirm, collectively and in good faith, that each member has met the badge criteria through participation, reflection, and completion of the action plan. Verification is based on engagement and learning rather than on judging the quality of another participant’s work.