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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.

 

34 Responses

  2. 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.

  3. 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…

  4. 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.

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  5. 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.

    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!

  6. 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.

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    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.

  7. 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.

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    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.

  8. 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. 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!

  9. 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.

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  10. 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.

  11. 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.

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    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.

  12. 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!

  14. 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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