Leading Edge, Auckland, starting February 2026

Why Leading Edge?

If you're navigating the tension between classroom teaching and leadership responsibilities, Leading Edge offers the clarity and support you've been looking for. This year-long, job-embedded programme equips middle and senior leaders - especially those new to team or syndicate leadership - with the practical tools, coaching, and cultural capabilities needed to lead learning and lift outcomes for ākonga.

Designed specifically for our Aotearoa context, the programme coaches leaders to practically address real school-based curriculum improvement and is deeply embedded in what we know is vital for middle leaders’ work.

Job-embedded, tailored support

Following an initial two-day face to face workshop, you will work with a small group of fellow leaders and a coach, as you lead job-embedded specific leadership challenges directly aligned to your role and the annual plan and goals of your kura or school.

You'll gain insights into overcoming barriers and achieving progress in real-time, responding to the emerging needs of your team. Soon you'll be guiding collaborative teaching teams with the confidence and clarity of an experienced school leader

This isn't just professional development; it's a collaborative journey designed to empower you to lead improvement, raise achievement, and reduce disparity for your ākonga.

What you will learn

Over the course of the programme, you will learn to:

• use evidence-based tools to lead learning improvements for your ākonga
• troubleshoot and solve problems of practice in relation to curriculum and assessment goals.
• navigate important conversations and provide actionable feedback with your teams
• tackle tough issues and make significant progress in leading your team to improve teaching and learning.
• weave the leadership and cultural capabilities needed to help ākonga Māori thrive throughout.

Course dates

• Introduction Webinar - 17 February, 3.45pm (up to 1 hour) for you and your supporting Principal/senior leader
• Day 1 and 2 face-to-face workshop - 24-25 February, 9.00am-4.00pm
• Final face-to-face regional hui - 18 November, 9.00am-4.00pm. Venue TBC
• Coaching and Masterclass dates TBC

Investments: $1750 + GST per person.

A 15% discount applies for three or more educators from the same school or kura.