Leiden Learning & Innovation Centre
Leiden Education Support (LES) Network
Advancing teacher development and educational innovation through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and network building.
The Leiden Education Support (LES) Network is Leiden University’s network for Teaching & Learning, created to strengthen teacher development, encourage further educational innovation, and facilitate connections between teachers and professional support staff (faculty-based Teacher Support Desks, LLInC, and ICLON, among others).
Supported by the Npuls CTL transition grant and coordinated by LLInC, the LES Network focuses on three key areas:
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
The Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are change and action-oriented communities which bring together teachers, educational researchers, and support staff to collaborate on the following transformative educational themes:
- AI in Education (AIED)
- Learning Analytics
- Immersive Experiences (IX)
- Inter- & Transdisciplinary Education (ITE)
Possible outcomes of a SIG:
- Knowledge base with research & practices on the theme
- Workshops or dialogue events
- Co-created guides, toolkits, and whitepapers
- Interfaculty experimentation to test or refine teaching methods
- Exchange on grant opportunities
Teacher Communities
Communities of teachers will be strengthened and connected both within and across faculties at Leiden University. Based on a needs analysis, faculties will help shape the support and activities which best meet local needs.
By strengthening existing communities (such as the Leiden Teachers' Academy) and supporting faculty-based activities (e.g. training and faculty events) close to daily practice, opportunities are created for teachers to connect and learn from one another.
Teaching & Learning Portal
The Teaching & Learning Portal, developed by LLInC (launching academic year 2027-28), will provide university-wide access to training opportunities, examples of strong educational practices, educational research, and funding opportunities, among other resources.
Why has the LES Network been created and what are its ambitions?
The university has a wealth of expertise, support services, and initiatives related to teacher development, educational innovation, and educational research. These are, however, often split across faculties and central services, limiting opportunities to learn, make effective use of knowledge, and address institution-wide educational challenges.
The LES Network was created in response to this need for a stronger and more integrated approach to collaboration and knowledge sharing across Leiden University’s ecosystem.
How does the LES Network benefit staff across Leiden University?
The LES Network is designed to support everyone involved in teaching, educational development, and educational support at Leiden University.
For teachers, the LES Network offers access to professional development opportunities, teacher communities, peer-learning activities, and practical resources which support day-to-day teaching practice.
For educational researchers and professional support staff, the LES Network creates opportunities for collaboration across faculties and departments through Special Interest Groups (SIGs) focused on emerging educational themes.
How can staff and students get involved?
Staff can get involved by actively participating in SIGs, attending professional development activities, and contributing their knowledge, expertise, and ideas.
As the LES Network is currently in development, there will be a series of input sessions (Autumn 2026) through which staff can help shape the future direction of the network. We particularly encourage teachers and members of staff from Teacher Support Desks (TSDs) to participate, as their experiences, needs, and ideas are essential to ensuring that the LES Network provides meaningful support for educational practice.
Students also have an important role to play. Depending on the theme and activity, students may be involved in projects, events, and discussions, helping to ensure that educational innovation is informed by their perspectives.
Contact the LES Network team
Please send any questions, feedback, and ideas for the future development of the Leiden Education Support Network to les@leidenuniv.nl.