Leading Edge

Empowering middle and senior leaders to transform teaching and learning.

Kaua e mate wheke mate ururoa   

This whakataukī speaks to the tenacity of the hammerhead shark, symbolising resilience and determination. Just as the shark never gives up, we can draw inspiration for our mahi, mindsets, and drive to raise achievement and reduce disparity. Let your pursuits be guided by resilience, determination, and unwavering resolve. 

Build on your strengths and improve your ability to shape the transformation of teaching and learning in your kura.  

Join the Leading Edge programme to unlock your potential.  


Do you feel as though you have had little learning about how to strategically lead improvement?  

You’re not alone.  

Many middle and senior leaders are caught between leadership and classroom duties.   

We recognise how middle and senior leaders are caught between leadership and classroom duties.   

In this systematic, year-long partnership, you will attend a face to face two-day workshop, followed by six online sessions working with a coach and a small group of fellow leaders to help you refine your leadership knowledge and enhance your leadership practice.   The year will conclude with a conference to celebrate your learning and strengthen your networks with fellow leaders.  

This programme will support you as you lead specific leadership challenges that are deeply connected to your kura’s annual plan and goals while maintaining your wellbeing and sustaining your passion for your job.  

The approach is deeply embedded in the middle leaders’ work and therefore very much designed in an Aotearoa context. The coaching iteratively addresses the challenges that middle leaders face when leading the improvement of teaching and learning. You can read the research conducted by one of our programme designers, Dr. Jacqui Patuawa, by visiting this link. This article might also be helpful.

This game-changing opportunity will elevate your leadership impact.  


Imagine a world in which you feel more:  

  • equipped to troubleshoot and solve problems of practice relating to your goals  

  • confident to use evidence-based tools to lead up-coming changes in curriculum, assessment, and qualifications  

  • empowered to have important conversations and provide actionable feedback to teachers  

  • emboldened to tackle tough issues and make significant progress in leading your team to improve teaching and learning?  

Who wouldn’t want to feel better equipped, more confident, more empowered, and more emboldened?  


You will learn to:

  • use evidence-based tools to lead improvements in curriculum, assessment, and qualifications.  

  • troubleshoot and solve problems of practice in relation to your goals.  

  • navigate important conversations and provide actionable feedback to teachers.  

  • tackle tough issues and make significant progress in leading your team to improve teaching and learning.  

  • weave the leadership and cultural capabilities needed to help ākonga Māori thrive throughout.    

Leading Edge graphic showing five capabilities

Structure

  • Two-day interactive workshop, facilitated by expert leadership consultants.  

  • Six online sessions* with a coach and a small group of fellow leaders to build your ability to solve complex leadership problems.  

  • Two online master classes* with leading educational experts, including Professor Emeritus Viviane Robinson and Dr Melanie Riwai-Couch.  

  • A conference to celebrate your learning and network with fellow leaders.  

* Coaching sessions and masterclasses will be scheduled in consultation with participants to find mutually convenient times. 

Timeline

Leading Edge goes beyond disconnected theory and one-off tips. It focuses on real-world challenges.  

Following an initial two-day face to face workshop, you will work with a small group of fellow leaders and a coach, to tackle specific leadership challenges that are directly aligned with the annual plan and goals of your kura or Kāhui Ako.  

Through tailored coaching, you'll gain insights into overcoming barriers and achieving progress in real-time, responding to the emerging needs of your team. Soon you’ll be leading effective teams like a seasoned leader.  

This isn't just professional development; it's a collaborative journey designed to empower you to lead improvement, raise achievement, and reduce disparity within your kura or Kāhui Ako.  


Here's what education leaders say about our existing leadership programmes

Your investment

This programme is $1550 + GST per person.


Who is this for?

  • Deputy Principals, Assistant Principals, Associate Principals 

  • Leaders of Learning (LOL) 

  • Heads of Faculty (HOF) 

  • Heads of Department (HOD) 

  • Kāhui Ako Across School and Within School Teachers

  • Deans  

  • Team/syndicate leaders

Leading Edge brochure

Register below

Starting 24 & 25 Feb
Wellington

Location Wellington

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Venue Lower Hutt Events Centre

Starting 3 & 4 Mar
Canterbury/Chatham Islands

Location Christchurch

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Venue Christchurch Golf Club

Starting 10 & 11 Mar
Auckland

Location Auckland

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Venue Sorrento in the Park

Starting 24 & 25 Mar
Bay of Plenty/Waiariki

Location Rotorua

Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Venue Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre