Teacher Professionalization sessions

Looking to enhance your skills in managing difficult group dynamics or supporting students with a disability?

The following CPD sessions might be of interest for you.
 

1. Dealing with difficulty group dynamics with Birsen Erdogan: Thursday 22 October 2026 from 13:00-15:30 
This workshop will provide teachers with some practical tools and strategies for recognising and navigating difficult, sensitive, and conflict-prone situations in the classroom, improving their confidence and effectiveness in managing and resolving conflict. 
In today’s increasingly complex world, educators often find themselves navigating sensitive and controversial topics and situations which can lead to conflict or tense atmosphere in the classroom. These situations can be triggered by classroom dynamics or generated by the changing conditions in the external environment.

The intended objectives of this workshop are to

• Identify common difficult and conflict situations in the classroom.
• Examine the difference between a disruptive behaviour/pattern and a normal/healthy disagreement.
• Learn effective strategies for managing and resolving conflict and maintaining a positive learning and teaching environment.
• Practise conflict resolution and mediation techniques through role-play and case studies.

This workshop will have three parts: a methodological component, an interactive session and a reflective discussion. This activity may count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Birsen is a lecturer at the International Law department of Maastricht University. She is the co-coordinator of the Law Faculty 's UTQ office.

2. Studying with a disability with Lisa Waddington: Wednesday 25 November 2026 from 13:00-14:00 

In this meeting, Lisa Waddington will briefly introduce legal obligations of universities under international human rights law regarding students with a disability, chronic illness, or neuro-divergence,  with a particular focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A key obligation is to provide inclusive education. Lisa will discuss some of the common barriers students with disabilities experience at universities, as well as some of the elements of inclusive university education and the importance of Universal Design.

There will be time for discussion and reflecting on real life experiences of teaching staff.

Lisa is the Professor of European Disability Law and Chair of the Disability Inclusion Group at the UM: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/disability-inclusion-group-dig