Let's talk about learning and leading
Thirteen years ago, Graham Nuthall published his seminal research ‘The Hidden Lives of Learners‘. It’s a wonderful read that takes us into the heart of what actually happens in the classroom. A key idea to be learned from this research was that we cannot tell, just by being in the room with students, what they […]
Read More Our hidden learnersIf you ever needed another hot take on how to think about ‘doing school at home’, now may not be it. But it has been fascinating watching the way different schools and educators are calibrating their practice and planning for what will be an uncomfortable new norm. I have really enjoyed Tim Kong’s post that […]
Read More Remote learning in strange timesThe experience of being a Deputy Principal is often shaped by the stories we hear, and the other leaders for whom we have worked. Many times, I have heard people talk about senior leadership as ‘them (not us)’ and ‘management’ in less than complimentary tones. There is a perception that once you enter such a […]
Read More Why be a Deputy Principal?Sitting listening to the opening speech from the Teaching Council at the NASDAP conference today, I reflected on the changes ahead for us in schools around appraisal. Currently, we know very little about what is to come. There has been discussion around the Accord signed by PPTA and NZEI recently, and much talk on the […]
Read More High trust kōrero for appraisalIt’s a scenario with which all Deputy Principals or school leads are familiar. A situation comes to your attention regarding a complaint and it lands on your desk for action. It may have passed through other layers of the school — but it’s now your responsibility to have what we might call a ‘courageous conversation’. […]
Read More Having a courageous conversationThe following opinion piece was originally published on Education Central in preparation for the Chalktalks Event about the Tomorrow’s Schools report on 27 February 2019. I have found the ‘Our Schooling Futures: Stronger Together’ report reviewing the ‘Tomorrow’s Schools’ policy to be a fascinating and bold read. I bring a unique lens to […]
Read More Thoughts on the review of ‘Tomorrow’s Schools’We all carry pictures in our minds of what we think great leaders look like. But how far do our actions reflect ‘what works’ or are we just winging it day by day? Perhaps you imagine a good leader as a firm but fair person, bestriding the corridors, or a new broom with a hundred […]
Read More Effective modern leadershipWhen we think of coaching, sporting metaphors often spring to mind. We think of players being ‘coached from the sidelines’. They are supported by someone who is pushing them to do their best, sharing tips and advice. Coaches often stay with players for years, forming strong relationships and helping them grow as professionals. They meet […]
Read More Coaching — PD to transform leadersI have been enjoying the invitation of the NCEA Review to dream big and look again at the structure of our national assessment. At school we have talked regularly about the ‘Big Opportunities‘ and there have been other conversations across the Wellington region too amongst the Loop schools. Everyone has had plenty to say and there […]
Read More Why the NCEA Review misses the blueprint for changeA top-down approach to change can be doomed to failure unless we consider the needs and strengths of our colleagues and staff. Here are some considerations and strategies to help you get it right where you are.
Read More Breaking down the change barriers
karen spencer 