Our Story & Founder’s Journey
How Evidence-Based Teacher Development (EBTD) began — and why collaboration with teachers in Bangladesh drives everything we do.
The story behind EBTD
Evidence-Based Teacher Development (EBTD) was founded with one clear aim: to give teachers and school leaders in Bangladesh access to professional learning that is credible, practical, and proven to make a difference. The organisation grew from a simple belief — that great teaching, supported by evidence, can transform lives everywhere.
Rather than importing ready-made programmes, EBTD was built through listening — to teachers, leaders, and local researchers — and by connecting global evidence to the day-to-day realities of Bangladeshi classrooms. Every course, guide, and framework is shaped through partnership, not prescription.
A message from our founder
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how powerful teaching, supported by evidence, can change lives. But I’ve also seen how often teachers are expected to rely on outdated or disconnected training that doesn’t last. EBTD was founded to close that gap — to make high-quality research usable, and to work with teachers in Bangladesh to turn that evidence into everyday practice.”
– Leon Walker, Founder of EBTD
About Leon Walker
Leon Walker is an education leader with more than two decades of experience in professional development, school improvement, and research translation. His work combines strategic leadership in the UK with long-term collaboration in Bangladesh.
Experience in the UK
As a senior school leader and former Director of Research within the UK’s Research School Network, Leon led initiatives that improved outcomes for thousands of students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Contributions to educational research
He has contributed to major EEF publications and designed professional development models that have been adopted across multiple schools and networks.
Collaboration in Bangladesh
Leon has worked alongside Bangladeshi teachers and school leaders to design and deliver training that reflects both global evidence and local wisdom. His approach values the expertise already present in schools — building from it, not replacing it.
Why EBTD exists
Professional development should never feel imposed or abstract. It should build on teachers’ strengths, fit the classroom context, and make visible improvement over time. EBTD blends global research with Bangladeshi experience to ensure training is:
- Practical: Centred on what teachers can apply immediately.
- Collaborative: Designed through partnership and peer learning.
- Sustainable: Focused on building capacity, not dependency.
Looking ahead
Our work continues through new courses, leadership pathways, and research collaborations — always guided by the same principle: improvement through partnership. The future of education in Bangladesh will be shaped by the teachers within it, and EBTD’s role is to help turn their expertise and effort into lasting impact.
We’d love to connect with schools, teachers, and organisations who share our commitment to practical, evidence-based improvement. Get in touch to start a conversation.
If you found this useful, join the EBTD newsletter for monthly, research-backed tips, free classroom tools, and updates on our training in Bangladesh—no spam, just what helps. Sign up to the newsletter and please share this page with colleagues or on your social channels so more teachers can benefit. Together we can improve outcomes and change lives.
