Ongoing professional development is essential for teachers to keep abreast of best practices in open schooling and SSIBL. Teachers can engage in peer-mentoring programs, workshops, and online courses that help them refine their skills and expand their knowledge. Reflective practice, such as reviewing and discussing SSIBL activities with colleagues, ensures continuous improvement in implementing the COSMOS approach.
Headteachers can support sustainability by making PD opportunities accessible and encouraging teachers to participate regularly. Allocating budget resources for training and time within the school schedule for teachers to attend COSMOS workshops fosters a learning culture. Facilitating teacher exchanges or collaborations with other schools using the COSMOS approach can also broaden teachers’ perspectives and skills.
Sustaining the COSMOS approach requires that policymakers support PD programs focused on open schooling. Funding PD programs, establishing regional centers for SSIBL training, or offering accreditation for teachers skilled in open schooling methods incentivize continued growth. Furthermore, policies that mandate PD in inquiry-based and community-focused learning make it easier for schools to maintain the COSMOS approach.