Stepping into Leadership
Kia Tīparetia ki te Rauhuia
Your leadership journey starts here
Are you ready to take the next step in your teaching career? If you're a teacher looking to lead with confidence, cultural intelligence, and purpose, Kia Tīparetia ki te Rauhuia – Stepping into Leadership is for you. Go to our teacher portal, , to enrol.
A free government funded learning opportunity
Designed exclusively for Aotearoa teachers stepping into leadership for the first time. Whether you're leading a curriculum area, mentoring new teachers, or managing a special initiative, this resource empowers you with the tools, insights, and networks to lead effectively.
Check out the Meet the Authors Webinar
Watch the replay to explore how Stepping Into Leadership can support your next steps, whether you’re already in a role or just starting to think about it. You'll hear from the team, get a feel for the course, and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Dr Janis Carroll-Lind, Education Consultant
With decades of experience in education and leadership across the primary, early childhood and tertiary sectors, Dr Janis Carroll-Lind is deeply committed to empowering teachers as leaders
Whare Isaac-Sharland, Mātauranga Māori Practitioner
A dedicated education leader and Mātauranga Māori expert, Whare Isaac-Sharland champions culturally grounded leadership, Māori language revitalisation and transformative learning pathways.
Dr Emily Nelson, Education Consultant
Dr Emily Nelson brings decades of expertise in leadership development, teacher education and student voice research. She thrives on helping early career teachers step into meaningful leadership roles with confidence.
Vasa Fia Collins, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist
Leadership coach and diversity specialist, Vasa Fia Collins creates inclusive spaces for emerging leaders, fostering cultural intelligence and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Rauhuia | Leadership Space
Rauhuia enables every teacher, regardless of their role or setting, to have the opportunity to develop their own leadership capability so that through principles and inspirational leadership, a culturally capable, competent and connected teaching profession achieves educational equity and excellence for all children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What makes this resource unique?
Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Rauhuia Leadership Strategy, and culturally responsive leadership practices, this programme offers practical, assessment-free learning created in collaboration with New Zealand educational leadership experts. You can complete the modules anywhere, in any order, and at your own pace while building meaningful relationships with like-minded leaders.
What you’ll learn
Module 1
Understanding self to lead
- Discover your leadership identity and personal strengths.
- Learn about cultural intelligence and leading with authenticity.
- Build resilience and self-awareness to thrive as a leader.
Module 2
Leading others
- Develop high-trust relationships with colleagues and whānau.
- Learn effective communication, collaboration, and mentoring strategies.
- Understand how to build professional communities and empower your team.
Module 3
Leading change
- Learn how to initiate and manage change within your school or centre.
- Apply strategic planning and goal setting for impact.
- Explore problem solving and decision making frameworks.
Module 4
Leading pedagogy
- Strengthen your ability to lead learning and teaching effectively.
- Apply research-based leadership strategies in an Aotearoa context.
- Support curriculum development and innovation.
Each module integrates te ao Māori and Pacific leadership perspectives, fostering a holistic approach to lead.
Who it's for?
This online resource is designed for teachers, educators, and practitioners stepping into leadership for the first time. Those with three to five years of experience who are ready for the next step will find it ideal for leading a curriculum area or special initiative, supporting colleagues, mentoring a student teacher, or guiding a team. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact in education and seeking a structured, culturally responsive approach to leadership, this programme is for you.
What teachers are saying
“I absolutely love the references included at the end. They give the opportunity to take my own research to new heights while also allowing me to look back and reflect”.
“I have often wondered how best to navigate the 'difficult conversations' and now I am feeling more empowered to approach them rather than shy away from them”.
“Focus on communication and managing relational challenges was excellent. Very useful practices and rationale”.
FAQs
It takes approximately 16 hours to complete all four learning modules. You can spread it out over several weeks or finish it in a weekend.
No! This online resource is fully funded by the New Zealand Government and is free for all certificated teachers.
Yes! It is fully flexible—you can choose your own learning path.Will I receive a certificate?
Yes! Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of leadership training from the Teaching Council.
No! This resource is for any teacher stepping into leadership—whether you're leading a curriculum area, mentoring a colleague, or guiding a school initiative.
Yes, you can still take part in the programme, even if you’re not in a full-time classroom role. It’s designed to be flexible and supportive of teachers at various stages of their journey, including those on leave or in relieving positions.
Wherever possible, we’ve included full access to readings and resources within the modules or linked to freely available versions online. If a resource requires a login or is behind a paywall, we’ve provided enough detail within the module—such as the title, author, and publication source—so it can be accessed through libraries or other academic services. Each module also includes a reference list with all the readings and resources mentioned, along with as much detail as you need to locate them.
There are no assignments to complete as part of the programme. The focus is on practical, reflective learning that you can engage with at your own pace.
Stay connected: My Rawa
My Rawa helps you deepen your practice with tailored professional learning and reflective tools. It’s your space to grow, stay inspired, and lead with confidence.
