Recently incoming NZPF President-elect, Leanne Otene, lamented the absence of training and support for principals.
In an article published in School News she states that, “More and more, I worry that the next generation of principals will not receive the training and support required to cope with so many of these new or refreshed approaches [new initiatives, new documentation, changes to the curriculum] and as a result, we will see further inequities in our system.”
Here at Tui Tuia | Learning Circle, we recognise that principals have been let down by inertia in response to the call made by Bali Haque’s Tomorrow’s Schools Review Report, to establish a dedicated leadership centre that will champion a coherent and strategic approach to developing leadership capabilities.
That is why we hosted a hui on November 18, 2022, with representatives from each principal peak body to discuss the pending launch of The National Centre for Educational Leadership.
Tui Tuia | Learning Circle is activating the considerable resources of the University of Auckland in partnership with manawhenua, iwi, and principals themselves, to launch this initiative early in 2024. The Centre will provide professional learning, support, and networking for all principals irrespective of where they work throughout the motu.
As the Immediate Past President of NZPF and a school principal and teacher over a 33-year career, I understand the isolation experienced by many of our principals and the absence of the sort of training and development necessary to lead in Aotearoa New Zealand.
I am privileged to work with an amazing team at Tui Tuia | Learning Circle and a generous Board at Auckland Uniservices who are energised to build support for principals. I am heartened by the passion and positivity of this backing. So, it is time to deliver a Leadership Centre that is unique to our country, and the issues, challenges, and opportunities we confront.
We are taking a ‘by principals, for principals’ approach! Our focus is on all school principals, middle leaders, curriculum, and school network leaders. However, what is most exciting is the expectation that principal representatives will guide and drive the Centre’s work through an active partnership with Tui Tuia | Learning Circle and from a position of genuine authority, influence, and control. Principals must finally be activated to be in the driving seat of their own professional learning and development.
I acknowledge Leanne Otene’s clarion call and confirm that in 2024, principals can expect a comprehensive response from Tui Tuia | Learning Circle in the shape of a National Centre for Educational Leadership.
Finally, as the end of the year is nigh, I want to pay homage to all in the education workforce for their steadfast effort in the most testing of times. Educators of every stripe have my deepest respect.
I wish you all a festive season of joy and celebration and a long relaxing holiday.
