Professional learning groups for secondary leaders
Connect, grow, and lead with confidence
Our professional learning groups (PLGs) for senior leaders are designed to provide a supportive environment for principals, tumuaki, and senior leaders to learn from each other, share experiences, and tackle the complex challenges facing schools and kura today.
We understand the demands that secondary schools are facing at the moment—challenges with attendance and engagement, the NCEA co-requisite requirements, and the upcoming curriculum refresh that needs to be implemented by 2026. Now, more than ever, is the time for secondary school principals to engage in professional learning groups. We bring together experienced facilitators and a cohort of peers who understand the unique pressures of leadership in the education sector.
Why join a professional learning group for leaders?
Collaborative learning: Engage in rich discussions with peers who share similar challenges and aspirations. The PLG environment fosters collective problem-solving and shared growth.
Practical support: Get access to evidence-based strategies that you can implement in your school or kura to tackle issues like curriculum changes, wellbeing, and strategic planning.
Experienced facilitation: Our facilitators are seasoned education leaders who guide the group with insight, providing tools and frameworks that can make a real difference in your role.
Safe space for leadership growth: The group provides a confidential space to discuss challenges, test new ideas, and build your leadership capacity.
What to expect
Each meeting is held from 4pm to 6pm so leaders do not have to find release time from school.
Group numbers will be capped at eight participants. Once a group is full, a new cohort will be started. This ensures that the group stays small enough for effective interaction and that high trust is built between members.
Regular meetings: Join twice termly sessions that focus on relevant topics, including navigating curriculum reforms, leading change, and fostering school-wide wellbeing.
Facilitated discussions: Each meeting is facilitated by an experienced leader who helps steer conversations towards practical outcomes that benefit your school or kura.
Networking opportunities: Build strong professional relationships with other senior leaders, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the sessions.
Action-oriented reflection: Reflect on your current practices and develop practical next steps to implement in your school or kura.
Who is this PLG for
These professional learning groups are ideal for associate principals, deputy principals, assistant principals, middle leaders, and within and across school leaders who are looking for practical solutions, peer support, and opportunities to grow as leaders. Whether you're an experienced senior leader or new to the role, this network will work for you.
If you want to strengthen your leadership skills, improve your school's outcomes, and lead with confidence, this group is for you.
Benefits of being in a PLG
Targeted leadership development: Focus on the areas that matter most to your leadership journey, with discussions tailored to the challenges faced by senior leaders.
Peer support: Access a trusted group of peers who can offer insights, feedback, and encouragement.
Fresh perspectives: Learn from others' experiences and bring new, innovative ideas back to your school or kura.
Lasting connections: Develop relationships with other leaders that can provide support and collaboration opportunities well beyond the PLG sessions.
Your investment: cost and time
$760 + GST per person.
We are still finalising our dates for 2025. Watch this space. We will be running online and face-to-face PLG. Let us know where you are so we can look to set up a PLG near you.
If you are interested, please contact Donna at d.kerkmeester@evaluate.co.nz