Middle Leadership course addresses urgent need for IEU members
The role of middle leaders has emerged as a critical contributor to the successful operation of our schools.
As an individual educator, whether you are interested in gaining experience in higher responsibilities, wanting to contribute positively to school culture and student outcomes at your school, or planning a career progression, the focus on strong middle leaders is a recognition that they are the engine room of the school: the pivot between leadership and teaching staff, driving school improvement while supporting the daily realities of pedagogical transactions within the classroom.
Middle leadership is relational and strategic work, requiring a broad spectrum of administrative skills to facilitate curriculum development, instructional planning, assessment practices, and the evolving needs of students and staff. Middle leaders require advanced interpersonal skills to facilitate the exchange of ideas, the development of best practices, and to promote a culture of trust, learning and growth. This pivotal function typically involves advocacy for equitable resource allocation, professional learning, and supportive working conditions to enable teachers to thrive in a rewarding school climate, and for students to succeed.
‘Middle leaders are instrumental in the effective running of any school. The nurturing, support, and development of these leaders should be of paramount concern to leadership at the school and system level, as their work is far reaching and impactful.’
- Dr Pauline Thompson, Middle Leadership, TLN Journal.
Many questions are raised by the emergence of a class of middle leaders. Who is a middle leader in a school? How are teachers selected to become middle leaders? How can middle leaders be supported in their development?
When discussions began with academics, specialised consultants and those in current middle leadership positions for TLN’s upcoming journal, Middle Leadership, it quickly became evident what fosters a sustainable, successful and enjoyable career in middle leadership: effective mentors, opportunities for professional development, clearly defined responsibilities, a focus on wellbeing, a sense of autonomy, and usable time.
Middle Leadership will explore issues, challenges and practical strategies for improving the effectiveness of middle leaders, informed by current research in the field.
The Middle Leadership Program
The IEU’s new Middle Leadership Program, an 18-month professional learning opportunity commencing in June, will provide further support, drawing on the research and practical skills of a quality field of practitioners. Participants will undertake 30 hours of coursework and professional readings in topics such as leading a successful team, career pathways, workload, wellbeing, and managing challenging conversations. A Professional Certificate in Middle Leadership will be awarded by the IEU to members upon completion of the program.
To register your interest in the Middle Leadership Program, email training@ ieuvictas.org.au
About the Teacher Learning Network
The TLN was established by the IEU and the Australian Education Union, and is owned by those two unions. The investment in TLN is one element of the unions’ commitment to building the education profession.
TLN is committed to professional development which reflects union values and that is evident in the 10 core belief statements that guide the work of the TLN.
The TLN supports a range of different professional development activities for different branches of the education unions.
This service is provided as a direct benefit of your union membership. We look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
All IEU members have free access to a range of courses in the IEU Learning Hub – find out more via our website: www.ieuvictas.org.au/webinars