It is sometimes difficult for in-service teacher training (INSET) courses to achieve their expected level of impact. One reason for this is the cultural divide that tends to exist between such courses and the typical teaching institution. This paper describes a method for narrowing this gap that was devised in connection with a recent ELT in-service teacher development project in the Philippines: the School-based Follow-up Development Activity, or SFDA. This links the INSET course and the teaching institution, so that the course functions not just as an end in itself but also as a vehicle for stimulating longer-term school-based learning. The details of how the SFDA system works are explained, and findings concerning its effectiveness reviewed.