Lead teams with confidence
The Leading Teams in Kura and Schools collection has been developed for middle leaders. Through practical guidance, reflection and real-world strategies, the collection supports you to strengthen your leadership capability and confidently lead teams in ways that are collaborative, culturally responsive and grounded in everyday practice.
Who is this for?
These modules are designed for middle leaders working in kura and schools, including teachers who lead curriculum areas, syndicates, departments, teams or projects.
What you'll explore
You'll work through topics including leadership identity, culturally sustaining leadership, communication, collaboration, team development, decision-making and leading through change. You'll reflect on your own leadership, apply learning within your context, and build practical approaches that support positive team culture and improved outcomes for learners.
Module Overview
- Knowing Who You Are as a Leader
- Equity and Culturally Sustaining Leadership
- Building Effective Teams
- Collaboration and Communication
- Motivating My Team
- Decision-making and Conflict Resolution
- Leading Through Change
- Reflecting and Refocusing
Our co-authors
These modules were developed by a team of expert educational leaders who are passionate about strengthening leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand. Each author brings different experiences and perspectives, grounded in evidence-informed practice and a deep belief in the potential of every teacher as a leader.
Kate Thornton is an Associate Professor in Te Pukenga Wai, the Faculty of Education, Health and Psychological Sciences at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington.
She is a former secondary school teacher and professional development facilitator.
Kate’s research areas include educational leadership, leadership development, and mentoring and coaching. She has a strong interest in the ways leaders mentor and build collaborative cultures within their teams.
Kate is the programme director for the Masters of Secondary School Leadership programme and supervises thesis student working on leadership related topics.
Greg Sharland is a Teaching Fellow at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington.
He has over 20 years of experience in the education sector, including at Wellington College as a teacher and Head of Department, and at Mana College as an Assistant Principal, with two periods as Acting Principal.
Greg completed a Master of Secondary School Leadership (MSSL) at Victoria University, where his research examined the enactment of distributed leadership in New Zealand secondary schools. He is currently undertaking a PhD examining the lived experiences of principals and the factors that contribute to sustainable leadership practice.
Greg also teaches in the MSSL, facilitating courses in evidence-based leadership, Te Tiriti-based practice, and organisational management.
Nathan Riki is a kaihautū (director) at Riki Consultancy.
Nathan has experience entrenched in the enablement of culturally empowering practices.
A former University Lecturer in Te Reo Māori and Culturally Responsive Practices, Nathan is an active leader and regarded speaker in the development of safe places for Māori and indigenous communities. He has delivered multiple layers of impact spanning from rangatahi Māori (youth), through to the deep implementation of tikanga Māori and cultural competency into corporate and government organisations.
