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Module 12

Your Leadership Pathway

Due 19th September

To be appointed to a new leadership position that you desire generally requires one or more of the following dispositions:

  • Dissatisfaction with the status quo
  • Ambition to improve yourself
  • Desire to be influential in education beyond your current status
  • Desire to be recognised for the talents you have
  • Desire to use your skills to the utmost
  • Desire to grow as an educator and/or leader

 

So how can you be successful in gaining the next step?

Develop your Curriculum vitae as a living document – so it presents who you are.

Things I like to see in an educational leaders’ CV:

  • Employment history – what have you done up till now?
  • Professional development – what have you upskilled on?
  • Personal philosophy of education ie what are your core beliefs about educating young people – why are you spending your life doing it?
  • Personal philosophy of leadership – how will you get the best out of and grow the people you lead?
  • Give some thought to what sort of school you next want to be in and research where these schools are.
  • Once you’re ready for a change – start applying.
  • Interview technique – be prepared to talk about:
  1. who you are
  2. what you believe in
  3. what passions/philosophies drive you in education
  4. what you are good at and what you are still working on (I like people to be specific and honest about both of these – it shows self-awareness).

NB: Leadership interviews are different to teaching ones; in leadership you are focusing more on getting the best out of the adults, they in turn impact on the students.

Every interviewing committee is different and they may or may not be interested in what you offer. Be yourself and present yourself. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not successful. “If at first you don’t succeed – try, try and try again.”

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion – other leaders may think differently! (Dr. Peter Ferrar)

 

 

Provocation:

We know that some of you will be thinking about your leadership next step and others will be happy in their current positions. This task should be helpful for all, regardless. Please write a paragraph summarising how you want to lead/the kind of leader you aspire to be. This could easily be a question in an interview but is also a good thought exercise for every emerging or aspiring leader.

Comment on your fellow delegates’ posts, sharing ideas to strengthen their response, affirmation of where they are heading, reassurance that you are on a similar path etc.

 

47 Responses

  1. I aim to work towards developing my leadership qualities. I feel that I am empathetic and positive in my approach. I aspire to become more honest in my approach and recognise those who are working effectively. Likewise, I would like to be able to inspire others to improve and perhaps even change their mindset in their roles. As much as I want others to follow my lead, I also recognise that it’s not possible to be popular amongst all of my colleagues. That’s fine with me as long as I can say that I have tried my best to get them on board.Also, staying true to my word and explaining the ‘why’ in my approach will be key.
    I feel that I have made some positive steps this year and have developed a much more together and positive culture within the team. I have gained confidence in having courageous conversations early when concerns arise. Also, being more of an active listener is an area to focus on. These are the things that I will continue to develop over the next year.

    1. I think you have made huge strides this year Rich. I think having seen the consequences of not tackling issues early has helped with that change. You have the capacity to be a great leader and given the extraordinarily stressful year you have had in your personal life should be commended on your work.
      I have really enjoyed our interactions this year and will be interested to see where you end up.

  2. In my journey as a leader, I aspire to be mana-enhancing and approachable, someone who is recognised for my ambition and drive. I am determined to seek out the best in others, helping them grow as individuals, educators, team players, and collaborators. My passion lies in continuously developing the most knowledgeable version of myself, leaving a positive footprint wherever I go. I strive to create an inclusive, open, and safe environment for everyone involved, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. A key aspect of my leadership is developing staff who feel valued through nurturing, manaakitanga and korero, fostering a culture of care and open dialogue. Being ‘real’ and genuine is crucial to my leadership style, and I understand the importance of having honest and sometimes tough conversations. I aim to challenge the status quo thoughtfully, ensuring I respect and consider others’ visions and views while pushing for positive change.

    1. I loved your aspirations Wiki and consider that you’re there or close already. You are absolutely real which will give those working with you confidence to approach you in every situation.
      I have so enjoyed our journey together and look forward to seeing what happens next!

  3. I aspire to be a leader who is empathetic, supportive, and trusted. I lead by example, modelling the values of our kura, reflective practice, and the changes I hope to see. I am passionate about education and providing effective teaching for our tamariki, so I always aim to inspire and empower this in my team members. This involves understanding the needs of our ākonga and kaiako, constructing change together, listening to and valuing their ideas, and working alongside them to solve problems and ensure best practice. Mostly, as a leader in education, I believe it is important for staff, whānau, and students to feel known, heard, and supported. Strong whanaungatanga and communication are the foundations for any effective team environment.

    1

  4. I’m stepping away from a couple of leadership spaces in two weeks. This was useful to think about as I consider next steps within my current kura.

    I’m probably never going to be a charismatic, front-facing leader. I see myself as someone who will work away in the background to get things done. This isn’t to say that I’m afraid to speak or lead from the front, but that it’s not my style and it’s not really where my strengths lie (it’s the same in the classroom where the less I have to command the room from the front, the better I feel). I am way more engaged by collaboration and discussion than leading in isolation. Working as part of the SLT and as part of our kāhui ako leadership team has really cemented this for me.
    I aspire to be a leader who works alongside people. I think my favourite thing in our English department is that there isn’t really a hierarchy, but that my HoLA and I have some extra responsibilities to guide and support. We’re all professionals and we’re all in the same boat to grow our knowledge and work for the betterment of our students. The best leaders I’ve worked with – and for – have been those who have left their egos behind and do what is best for the students and by the same token the worst school leaders I’ve had have been totally unable to do that, and the staff, students and school community has suffered for it.
    Finally, I think one thing that leaders I admire have in common is that they appreciate people. I hope I will always be a person – and also a leader – who is considerate of and cares for others, and who shows appreciation for the hard work of others.

    1

    1. What an excellent reflection Aimee. You are now in such a great position to be able to plan your career heading towards the future and your recent experience as part of the SLT have really assisted that process. Your lack of ego in the leadership space says really good things about you and I am certain those you work with appreciate your integrity, encouragement and hard work.
      I have really enjoyed working with you Aimee. Good luck for the future.

  5. I aspire to be a leader who leads with compassion and empathy. I believe that great leaders are able to connect with others on a human level, and I want to be the kind of leader who creates good relationships with others and genuinely cares about the well-being and success of those I lead. This means taking the time to understand their concerns, celebrating their successes, and providing support and guidance when they face challenges. I want to create a culture of trust and respect within my team, where people feel valued and appreciated.
    I would also like to be a driven leader who sets high standards and leads change. I believe in the power of setting goals and pushing others to reach their full potential. I want to inspire my team to strive for excellence and to continuously improve and innovate. I will lead by example, showing dedication and commitment to our shared goals.
    I am hoping that I can strengthen my leadership in all of these areas over the next 2 years as I continue my journey as an Across School Leader in our Kāhui Ako.

    1

    1. Your reflection is so thorough Kelly-Anne and resonates a lot with me. I think having those high expectations and finding ways to support and inspire your team to reach them is great and I think it balances well with ensuring people feel valued and appreciated.

  6. There are many ways that I would look at leadership and what I aspire to be if I were in a leadership position.
    For leadership, I go by the Samoan proverb – “O le ala i le pule, o le tautua – the way to leadership, is through service”. Service speaks more volumes to me than any words being said. I may not be someone who may say much in a space, but I am a person who will strive to provide service for others, to meet others’ needs, especially our students’ needs.
    Leadership is more than just being at the front; more than having the title of ‘leader’ or ‘principal’; more than being the face of a group, cohort, organisation, school, etc. A leader should not strive to see anyone below them.
    In a leadership position, I strive to ensure that everyone around me knows that we are on the same team – we do things alongside each other, regardless of our title. There is mutual understanding and trust, knowing that I trust the team to do what they need to do for our students, and vice versa. There is no judgment, especially with teachers who may struggle – but this is where the leadership should be mostly at, supporting our staff in all their challenges and helping them grow to be leaders in their own right!
    As a leader, I would love to support colleagues to grow into leadership spaces; encouraging everyone to take up leadership positions, but also coach and mentor those colleagues to grow into awesome leaders too. I have felt that this is something I have missed in my role as Senior Leader – that an opportunity to grow in this position was something I did not have as there was no mentor or push for coaching or the idea of “working alongside” one another. It felt quite individualistic, and I was lost in my growth in the role and space.
    However, looking forward to the future – I do want to continue pushing for leadership roles so that I can change the environment in which every single person chosen to be at SLT level, will feel like they are working together as a family and not feel alone! The space needs to feel like a home for us, so that we can do our absolute best, not only for the students, but for ourselves too!

    1

    1. Your response says so many lovely things about your culture and values Erica. There will be a place in the future where you can lead and ‘play to your strengths’ and operate in a way that allows you to be true to yourself, I am sure that those with whom you work now feel inspired by your dedication and selfless service.
      I have really enjoyed working with you and know you have a great future.

  8. I was recently personally inspired firsthand by what I experienced when I was attending the Kingii Tuhetia’s tangi at Turangawaiwai Marae and the subsequent appointment of his successor and Kingitanga Leader, Kuini Nga wai hono i te po. This reminded me of how the role of an inspiring leader has so much significance and how it can impact on our wider community and our youth.
    I believe that a team collaboration, with a unified purpose is extremely important. The decisions made should help to facilitate the best opportunities for learning while at the same time meeting the learning needs of all students. The sharing of ideas through kotahitanga, with respectful team discussion and reflection is something I encourage and model. I also feel that involving your community has an important role to play. Throughout this course I have learned new things and but also been reminded of others that I had previously forgotten. For me, the word T.E.A.M. stands for; Together Everyone Achieves More. If this is followed and encouraged, then I believe the team as a unit, will produce the best for all involved including, students, staff and the wider community.

    1

  9. As I’m finishing up at my current kura, and I’m starting to think about what’s next*, this final module task seems especially fitting.

    How do I want to lead? What kind of leader do I aspire to be?

    First of all, I hope that everyone I come into contact with at school (students, staff, parents, BOT, community members etc) knows that I really do care. My “why” is that I want to make a positive difference in the world.

    I aspire to be a leader who has “a strong back, a soft front, and a wild heart”. I want to be brave/strong enough to have those courageous conversations but soft enough so that people can be vulnerable with me if they need to. I want people to trust me, especially the students. I know I have a “wild heart” – it’s partly responsible for my soon-to-be-unemployed status 🤪 but after nearly 50 years on the planet I’ve learnt to trust the old cliche: When one door closes, another one opens.

    * I’m very blessed to have a partner who can take the reins financially while I take some time to determine where I’m headed next on my education journey.

    Thank you for “listening” – I must admit I am using this forum as a place where I can “vent” a little whilst maintaining a professional and positive face within our small school and close-knit community.

    He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata…

    2

  10. I aspire to be a leader that leads well and I am lucky to be surrounded by great examples within our school.
    I want to empower and encourage all those around me while continuing to be someone I can be proud of. It is important to be an approachable person that people can speak to without fear of judgement – an understanding that we are all on our own journey. I aspire to be clear in my thinking and will continue to work on having those courageous conversations – as these can be what builds or burns us in the long run. I am passionate and driven and more than ready to be given the opportunity to advance my leadership skills.

    2

  11. I wish to be that leader that others enjoy working alongside, not under. I have a very relationship based approach to leadership and put the students at the center of everything I do in my mahi. My passion lies within the pastoral/guidance side of kura and I’d love to create an environment that is empathetic, collaborative, respectful and honest. I believe that there are always ways to improve current systems, and adapt to what is best for the students, rather than get stuck in old ways. Challenging the status quo as a way forward, rather than having an approach that stales.
    My leadership philosophy is based on trust, where everyone knows their role and understands their purpose.
    I aspire to be a leader that is productive, adaptive and inspirational to others.
    I have no idea where my path will lead in terms of leadership. I am taking study leave next year to explore further into neurodiversity and inclusive education and I’m excited to see what doors open up for me once that is completed.

    1

    2. You are such a positive person and both the students and staff you work with must look forward to your interactions. You are well on track to fulfilling your vision of leadership. Take time next year to reflect and plan your next more deliberately and strategically. Good luck!

  12. As a leader, I believe that building and maintaining effective relationships is the foundation of meeting the needs of students, whanau and kaiako in the school environment. My passion for digital integration to enhance learning for students has been a key part of my current leadership role. I am an effective leader because I ensure that my team is supported and challenged in their goals. I am a proactive, relational and collaborative leader with excellent communication skills. I value being open, curious, collaborative and reflective in my practice and enjoy working through problems to support and encourage others. I am reflective and adaptive in my leadership to continue to change and grow. Seeing my students or my team feel achievement, success or an ‘ah huh’ moment fills my bucket and motivates.

    2

    1. “I am a proactive, relational and collaborative leader with excellent communication skills. I value being open, curious, collaborative and reflective in my practice and enjoy working through problems to support and encourage others. I am reflective and adaptive in my leadership to continue to change and grow. Seeing my students or my team feel achievement, success or an ‘ah huh’ moment fills my bucket and motivates.”
      Love this paragraph Jackie. Your leadership approach, motivation and practises are a mark of an excellent leader. All the very best.

  13. I am very fortunate to have a leader that I believe has the heart of the students in mind with our kura and he is a wonderful example of how I would like to lead. As an inspiring leader I am wanting to lead alongside my colleagues, making sure that collaboration is a key part of how we approach most things. Recognizing everyone’s strengths is also important and bringing people on board by utilizing their strengths is key. I want to build an environment where everyone feels valued. listened to and where teachers are part of shaping change and have the opportunity to share their opinions openly.
    As a leader I need to make sure my expectations are realistic and attainable. Communication is also key and needs to be open and honest. Having the hard conversations will always be a challenge of leadership but if I have built up the relationships with my colleagues, this will be approached with empathy and honesty.

    3

    1. Kia ora Sheree, reading your post and I feel I can relate. It sounds like your leaders have been supportive and inspiring leaders, which is always great to hear. I like what you said about fully utilizing the strengths of others. I feel that empowering others within your team and kura is a key skill in distributing leadership and developing the skills of others.

  14. I aim to be a leader who is both approachable and supportive, using my experience and expertise in curriculum to effectively guide and assist staff. My leadership is shaped by a thorough understanding of pedagogy and evolving educational policies gained throughout my teaching career. My extensive involvement in professional development has equipped me to support and mentor other teachers. I believe in collaboratively driving change, ensuring it is relevant and beneficial for everyone. Clear communication and engagement of staff in the process is crucial. I am dedicated to achieving results.
    It’s important to me that I create a team where we fully collaborate and celebrate individual’s successes so that everyone is nurtured and is able to grow.

    1

    1. Tania, celebrating success is so important isn’t it! It is so easy to let things slip by without acknowledgement – which we know can make individuals feel less worthy than others.
      I think that it is great that it is so important to you!

  15. It is timely with the passing of King Tuheitia that we reflect of how we want to lead and what kind of leader we want to aspire to. Moe mai ra e te Kīngi, who was a great King to all. Hoki mai ki te hunga ora, ko tātou.

    I aspire to be a leader who embodies ‘Kotahitanga’ fostering unity and collaboration among staff to guide our waka towards the shared goal of meeting the needs of our students, whānau and community in this ever-evolving Ao/World.
    My focus is on growing the strengths of our teaching staff, ensuring transparency, and sharing responsibilities, so we all feel invested in our collective success.
    As a leader/mentor I will prioritise progress and celebrate achievements, placing the learner at the heart of every decision we make.
    I am committed to supporting my team through active listening, thoughtful feedback and proactive connection.
    My leadership will be grounded in credibility, empathy and logical reasoning, with a firm belief that when we listen, we learn.
    By leading through action and collaboration, I hope to inspire others to trust, follow and thrive alongside me, as we shape the unique identity and success of our kura. Kia TOA, Kia ORA, Kia AKO.

    2

  16. As a leader I aspire to be supportive and encouraging of others while setting high expectations of myself and others. Empowerment and amplifying the good in others to continue to see growth and extension in ourselves is one of my goals. Creating a department where we fully collaborate and celebrate individual’s successes also by working collectively to help nurture and grow is key. Teachers wear many hats, both at school and home so ensuring I recognise this and allow for fluctuations but also set high and realistic expectations while at school is important. More than anything I value teamwork, being in the waka together and doing our best for each other and our akonga.

    1

  17. I see myself as a leader who is passionate about driving meaningful change and inspiring others to reach their fullest potential. I strive to lead by example, demonstrating a strong work ethic, integrity, and a commitment to continuous growth. I believe in the power of empathy and make it a priority to understand the needs, challenges, and perspectives of those around me. At the same time, I recognise the importance of having honest and constructive conversations when necessary, addressing issues directly while maintaining respect and support for others. My goal as a leader is to create an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and motivated to step up, take ownership, and become the best versions of themselves.

    2

    2. I agree with you about having honest and constructive conversations when necessary. I find this part of leadership the most challenging but as you stated, maintaining respect and supporting our colleagues through this is so important.

  18. I aspire to be a leader who is approachable and caring, leveraging my experience and curriculum knowledge to guide and support staff effectively. My leadership is informed by a deep understanding of pedagogy and educational policy changes throughout my teaching career, equipping me to help teachers adapt and grow. My involvement in a wide range of professional development, both as a participant and leader, has prepared me to take on roles that involve nurturing other teachers. I believe in co-constructing change, ensuring that it is meaningful for all by clearly communicating the ‘why’ and involving staff in the journey towards improvement. I strive to be a leader who delivers results and also makes a meaningful impact on the lives of those I work with!

    1

  20. As a leader, I aspire to create an environment where collaboration, innovation, and respect are at the forefront of everything we do. I believe in leading by example, demonstrating integrity, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning. My goal is to empower those I lead, helping them to recognise their strengths and develop their skills so they can contribute meaningfully to our shared vision. I value open communication and seek to build strong, trusting relationships that foster a sense of belonging and purpose. By nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, I aim to inspire others to strive for excellence, not just for themselves, but for the broader community we serve. Ultimately, I want to be a leader who not only achieves results but also positively impacts the lives of those I work with, leaving a lasting legacy of growth and achievement.

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