17+ years of delivering impactful, research-led professional development tools
Built on research. Proven by evidence. Trusted by ITT providers worldwide.
Born out of research, built for impact
Born out of a University of Sussex research project, IRIS Connect has been supporting teacher development for nearly two decades across more than 50 countries. Our platform has evolved into a trusted, research-informed solution that meets the highest standards of security and safeguarding, delivers a robust and scalable infrastructure, and is easy to use for teachers and administrators alike.
Grounded in research
Two decades of independent studies demonstrate how IRIS Connect improves reflection, coaching and trainee outcomes.
20–40 travel days saved per teacher educator
90% of teachers using IRIS Connect felt their teaching had improved
Improved trainee reflection and confidence reported by SCITTs across the UK
97% of trainees find observing peer lesson videos useful
Latest research: Video-based teacher coaching improves student achievement by an equivalent 2+ of months worth of learning
Conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, the study asked the question: does video-based teacher coaching have an impact on student learning?
Teachers were provided with coaching through Teachstone’s MyTeachingPartner (MPT) programme and IRIS Connect was selected as the technology to be used.
The study was one of the largest experimental studies in education involving 100 schools, 353 teachers and 8,906 students. It is now clear and in black and white – video-based coaching improves student achievement.
A smarter investment in teacher development
See how IRIS Connect saves time, reduces costs and strengthens teacher development outcomes across every level of ITT.
Travel & Time
Mentors and tutors can observe lessons remotely and review asynchronously, freeing time for focused coaching.
Faster Feedback Cycles
Secure video sharing and AI-assisted analysis mean no waiting for schedules to align.
Reduced Operational Costs
Fewer in-person visits reduce fuel, accommodation and supply costs without compromising support.
Improved Programme Efficiency
Automated progress tracking, shared dashboards and integrated evidence collection streamline QA and reporting.
*Exemplary calculation for 100 students and cars being the chosen mode of transport for school visits. Results may vary on a case by case basis on a variety of factors.
Inspiring ITT Case Studies
See what others in our community are doing with IRIS Connect
Ensuring Alignment and Consistency Across Centre and School Settings
Remote Coaching Trainee Teachers
A Blended Approach to ITE
Quality Assuring Teacher Training
The Technology That’s Improving Trainee Teacher Education
Supporting Student Teachers’ Practical Expertise
What our customers say about us
Testimonials from the IRIS Connect community
“The most significant gain is not only saving 20–40 travelling days per teacher educator, but more importantly, it is the feedback received from the student teachers. Those who have used IRIS Connect have reported that the recordings and reflections are significant tools for supporting their professional development.”
– Teacher Educator, School of Professional Teacher Education, JAMK University of Applied Sciences
“Now we can see exactly what our trainees are doing in schools, and subject leads can see what they’re doing in centre. That mutual visibility has made a huge difference.”
– Treena, SCITT Director
“I really like that we are talking more about teaching and learning with each other.. Teachers are analysing their lessons more deeply, their understanding of themselves has grown, and they are more open to feedback. I think IRIS Connect is a very efficient tool in helping to support teacher PD. I think it’s great value for money and highly recommend it”
-Kristi Mumm, Deputy Headteacher, Tartu Forselius School, Estonia
Trusted by ITT Providers Around the Globe
“Initially I saw IRIS Connect as a way for trainees to be able to see their own delivery and reflect. I did not realise the full scope of the platform. What I love most is the organisation of it! Everything is together, easy to review, revisit and for trainees to track their progress.”
– Sarah, Lead Subject Tutor, Nottinghamshire Torch SCITT