High trust kōrero for appraisal

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 […]

Coaching — PD to transform leaders

When 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 […]

Breaking down the change barriers

A 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.

ULearn16 | My closing keynote …

Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, as it was not individual success but success of a collective. Standing on the shoulders of giants. Well, better late than never — but it is with much pleasure and a mighty dollop of relief that I share […]

Keep the fear off the set

Do you remember the actor/director John Cusack? He of ‘High Fidelity’ and ‘Being John Malkovich’ fame? I recently heard about ‘The John Cusack Rule’. When asked in an interview how he saw his role as film producer, he said his main job was, ”To keep the set free from fear.” This ‘rule’ was offered to […]

Harnessing the power of connectedness | Growing adaptive experts #ConnectAU15

I recently presented one of the sessions at #ConnectAU15, a huge expo focused on futures thinking and connected practices, with one summit devoted to Connected Education. I’ve blogged about the other themes here: Keynote: Don Tapscott Keynote: Sebastian Thrun Pipelines for education Robotics for the future Below are the notes from my session which focused […]

7 characteristics of a true connected educator

Being connected is dispositional – the modern educator must adapt expertise to serve the evolving needs of their learner. Here are what I assert are the 7 characteristics of a connected educator…

Connected Educator Month goes global: My interview with the CEM team in the US

I am a few days into Connected Educator Month here in New Zealand and it’s hugely exciting what’s already started to happen. I’m leading this initiative as part of CORE Education, with a team from Victoria, Australia and the original Connected Educator Team in the US. Here is an interview I gave for the global CEM site: […]

#edchatnz | A breath of fresh air

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending, and keynoting, at the inaugural #edchatnz conference at Hobsonville Point Secondary School. Anyone following the trending tag in the Twitter stream would have had a taste of the excitement, the richness of the programme being offered, the breadth of the topics and the variety of approaches that, […]

Can social network sites support effective professional learning?

[Cross-posted from CORE Education’s blog] This blog post is based on my Masters of Education thesis, Online social networking and its impact on New Zealand educators’ professional learning. It informs the thinking behind this October’s Connected Educator Month 2014. The changing face of professional learning for educators Studies into effective school change and system-lift place professional development at […]