The APTO Education Model
What is the Apto Model?
Apto is Aprender’s core professional development and school-improvement model, designed to strengthen teaching and leadership practice in low-resource contexts.
It provides simple, practical, evidence-informed strategies that teachers can use immediately in their classrooms. Through digital modules, in-person coaching, and structured reflection, Apto helps teachers improve routines, behaviour management, active learning, and inclusion.
It is deliberately low-cost, accessible, and adaptable, making it suitable for schools with limited infrastructure.
We empower, not impose. We help schools develop quality teaching of their National Curriculum. We support and build capacity in national leadership and teacher training infrastructure, helping education teams achieve their priorities.
How it works
Apto is delivered through a blended approach:
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Digital modules (Apto Connect) introduce concepts and model good practice.
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Coaching and peer-learning sessions help teachers apply strategies in their context.
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School Improvement Teams embed routines, using Apto tools to drive continuous improvement.
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AptoBox, an offline server, ensures access even where connectivity is unreliable.
Together, these elements create sustainable and locally led teacher development.
Apto Courses – Professional Learning That Works in Every Classroom
Apto is Aprender’s practical, accessible professional development programme designed to help teachers and school leaders improve learning using the resources they already have. Each course is built around clear, research-informed strategies that can be applied immediately in real classrooms. Here's a summary of the courses available.
APTO Coach
Apto Coach trains Education Officers and School Leaders to become effective coaches, guiding others through reflection, growth, and sustained change. Based on the Apto Coaching Framework using the GROW model, it combines emotional intelligence, feedback, and leadership development to embed a coaching culture in schools and systems.
APTO Selfie
Apto Selfie helps educators develop self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and personal integrity — the foundation for effective leadership. Participants explore how self-management and reflection influence relationships, decision-making, and school culture. It underpins all other Apto programmes as a prerequisite for sustained professional growth.
APTO Lead
Apto Lead develops strong, values-driven school leadership teams capable of strategic planning and data-informed decision-making. It helps leaders build culture, accountability, and communication systems that support continuous improvement. Designed for headteachers, deputies, and leadership teams.
APTO Early Years
A course currently being developed is Apto Early Years which gives educators a clear model of how to provide the highest quality learning environment for young children to thrive and to be ‘school-ready’. Based on the globally renowned HighScope approach, educators are equipped with core knowledge and practice using free and found materials to bring learning alive.
APTO Teach
Apto Teach equips classroom teachers with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to deliver high-quality, student-centred lessons. It focuses on practical pedagogy, classroom management, assessment for learning, and building positive relationships that enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
APTO Teams
Apto Teams enables education teams to build clarity, cohesion, and shared purpose. Drawing on Patrick Lencioni’s “Five Dysfunctions of a Team” framework, it helps organisations improve communication, reduce conflict, and strengthen collective performance for long-term school health and productivity.
Mireille, Lebanon
As Site Manager, I believe that the “Lead Course” was so essential for my career. It is a foundational module for nurseries leadership teams. It helped me personally to move my mindset from traditional leading approaches to child centered approach.
Sahr, Sierra Leone
I have noticed tremendous changes in our students when I applied what I learned:
A). The academic performance both internal and external in our schools increased from 80% to 100% passes over three years now.
B). The moral life style and social life style of our pupils are shaped both in conduct and appearance.
Karna, Nepal
I have become more reflective and intentional in my planning. I now prepare lessons that include hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-life connections. As a leader, I encourage teachers to collaborate, share ideas, and create joyful learning environments.