Middle Leadership and Management
“The overall quality of this course was very good…the resources presented have potential use on return to schools regardless of the extent of prior experience in leadership and management” – Department of Education Inspector
Course Information and Key Themes
Are you a classroom teacher who you would like to take on a middle leadership role? Are you currently in a middle leadership role such as assistant principal? Are you a principal looking to maximise the positive impact of middle leadership in your school? This course will empower aspiring and current middle leaders to play their part in sustainable improvements to teaching and learning through quality leadership and management.
Using evidence based research teachers will be introduced to educational leadership and the multi faceted role of middle leaders. Explore the benefits of middle leadership, the qualities and skills required and the day to day realities of middle leadership. Develop your project management skills and consider the role you can play in leading change and whole school improvement.
Identify strategies to develop positive collegial relationships whilst also supporting your colleagues in their professional learning. Finally, examine interview criteria for middle leadership positions and sustainable leadership practices that can support your own wellbeing when in the role.
Course Overview
Course Outline
Module 1 - Educational Leadership
This introductory module will explore some key questions relating to leadership in school contexts. What is leadership? How does it differ to management? What approaches to leadership are shown to be effective? In this module you will:
- Further develop your understanding of leadership and management
- Enhance your knowledge of different models of educational leadership
- Reflect on your experiences of leadership and leaders
Module 2 - Middle Leadership
There has been a renewed emphasis on middle leaders and distributed models of leadership within primary schools in recent times. In this module you will explore what a middle leader is and some of the benefits of middle leaders.
- Further develop your understanding of middle leadership
- Consider the possible benefits of middle leadership
- Explore middle leadership policies and practice in Internationally and in Ireland
Module 3 - Leading from the Middle
This module will explore the everyday realities of middle leadership. Explore the skills a middle leader needs and the tasks middle leaders undertake. Consider how middle leaders can best lead learning and support positive changes?
- Explore qualities and skills which support middle leadership
- Evaluate different types of middle leadership tasks
- Explore different approaches to leading change in a school
Module 4 - Middle leadership and whole school development
Middle leaders can have a big influence on whole schools initiatives and developments. In this module you will:
- Consider the role of middle leaders in school self evaluation and whole school improvement initiatives
- Develop your project management skills to support you in the dual role of middle leader and classroom teacher
- Examine sample case studies where middle leaders have supported whole school development
Module 5 - Building Relationships and Preparing for Middle Leadership
Further prepare yourself for a middle leadership role in this module with some interview preparation and guidance around developing positive collegial relationships whilst supporting colleagues.
- Explore how trust and positive collegial relationships can be developed and maintained as a central aspect of middle leadership
- Identity strategies and approaches to support your colleagues in their professional learning and development
- Examine interview criteria and sustainable leadership that supports your own wellbeing in the role
Course Author
Liam Clohessy
“Middle leaders can play a vital role in schools and have a big influence on teaching and learning. I designed this course to help teachers to play to their strengths and to sustainably lead from the middle.”
Bio
Liam is a primary school teacher from Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, Cobh, Co. Cork. He currently works in curriculum development and was previously seconded to the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) working as a Health and Wellbeing Advisor supporting schools and teachers across Ireland. Liam also completed a PhD in the area of primary physical education leadership and has authored a number of publications in this area. He is a former chairperson of the Irish Primary PE Association and co-host of the podcast ‘Playful and Practical PE’. Liam has also previously worked as a lecturer in Mary Immaculate College and with the Active School Flag organisation.
What Participants Say About This Course
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