Peps Mccrea: Transforming Teaching with Evidence-Informed Practice
Introduction
Education is the cornerstone of any progressive society, and effective teaching is one of the most powerful levers for shaping the future. In this context, the contribution of Peps Mccrea, a highly respected teacher educator, author, and learning designer, stands out as transformative. Known for his evidence-informed approach, his concise yet impactful books, and his leadership in teacher development, Peps has become one of the most influential voices in modern education. This article explores his career, philosophy, and lasting contributions to teaching and learning.
Who is Peps Mccrea?
Peps Mccrea is an award-winning teacher educator and learning designer, widely recognised for his ability to bridge the gap between academic research and classroom practice. He currently serves as Director of Education at Steplab, an innovative platform designed to support schools with instructional coaching and professional development.
Before joining Steplab, Peps worked as Dean of Learning Design at Ambition Institute, where he played a central role in shaping large-scale teacher education programmes. His career began in the classroom as a teacher and school leader, and over time he developed a passion for helping educators maximise their impact through research-informed practice.
Career Path and Achievements
From Classroom Teacher to Thought Leader
Peps Mccrea started his career as a classroom teacher, where he experienced first-hand the challenges of lesson planning, motivating learners, and ensuring knowledge retention. These experiences laid the foundation for his later work in evidence-informed teaching.
Academic and Professional Roles
He later moved into higher education, working in teacher education at the University of Brighton. His passion for research and professional learning quickly established him as a respected figure in educational circles. Through roles in universities, educational organisations, and professional development institutes, he combined practical insights with research evidence to improve teacher training at scale.
Leadership at Ambition Institute and Steplab
At Ambition Institute, Peps was instrumental in designing professional learning programmes for teachers and school leaders across the UK. His philosophy emphasised that teaching expertise does not automatically develop through experience alone; instead, it requires structured professional growth, deliberate practice, and expert feedback.
In his current role at Steplab, he continues this mission by creating digital solutions that support schools in embedding coaching and continuous professional development.
Educational Philosophy of Peps Mccrea
Evidence-Informed Teaching
At the heart of Peps’s philosophy is the idea of evidence-informed practice. He believes that teaching should be guided by both research and the practical realities of the classroom. Unlike trends or untested fads, his work focuses on strategies that are proven to have a positive impact on learning.
The Importance of Professional Development
One of his key messages is that teachers, like their students, require structured opportunities for growth. While classroom experience is valuable, it is not enough to reach the highest levels of expertise. Without feedback, reflection, and adaptation, teachers risk plateauing in their practice. For Peps, professional development must be designed with the same intentionality as lesson planning for pupils.
Motivation and Memory in Learning
Peps also places significant emphasis on the psychology of learning. He highlights how motivation and memory play central roles in determining student outcomes. A motivated learner is more likely to persist, engage, and retain knowledge, while memory techniques ensure that learning sticks in the long term.
Books and Publications
Concise and Practical Insights
One of the unique aspects of Peps Mccrea’s work is his ability to distil complex research into concise, accessible books. His writing style is deliberately brief, cutting through jargon to deliver practical strategies teachers can apply immediately.
The High Impact Teaching Series
Among his most notable works is the High Impact Teaching series, which includes titles such as:
Lean Lesson Planning
Memorable Teaching
Motivated Teaching
Expert Teaching
Developing Expert Teaching
Each of these books explores a different dimension of effective teaching, from planning lessons efficiently to ensuring knowledge retention and motivating learners.
Developing Expert Teaching
In his more recent work, Developing Expert Teaching, Peps argues that teacher expertise is not accidental but intentional. He outlines how schools can create cultures of continuous improvement, supported by structured professional development and feedback mechanisms.
Key Contributions to Education
Professional Learning Design
Peps has been a pioneer in learning design for teachers. He emphasises that designing professional development is just as complex as designing curriculum for students. This perspective has reshaped how organisations think about supporting educators.
Evidence Snacks
He is also the creator of Evidence Snacks, a weekly email digest that provides teachers with quick, research-based insights into effective teaching. Its popularity reflects the demand for accessible, high-quality resources in education.
Bridging Research and Practice
Perhaps his greatest contribution is his ability to make educational research relevant and practical. Many teachers find academic studies inaccessible, but Peps bridges this gap by translating evidence into classroom strategies that can be applied the very next day.
The Lasting Impact of Peps Mccrea
Supporting Schools and Teachers
By focusing on professional development and coaching, Peps has influenced how schools across the UK and beyond think about teacher growth. His frameworks help teachers move beyond surface-level improvements towards deeper expertise.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Educators
Through his books, talks, and digital resources, Peps has inspired countless educators to view teaching not just as a profession, but as a craft that requires continuous refinement. His influence extends beyond the UK, as his books are read internationally by teachers seeking to improve their practice.
Conclusion
Peps Mccrea is more than an author or teacher educator—he is a visionary shaping the future of teaching. His commitment to evidence-informed practice, professional development, and effective learning design has left an indelible mark on education. By combining research with practical strategies, he has given teachers the tools to become more effective, motivated, and impactful in their classrooms.
In a world where education determines opportunity, leaders like Peps Mccrea remind us that investing in teachers is one of the most powerful ways to invest in the future. His legacy is one of clarity, evidence, and impact—values that continue to guide educators worldwide.
