21 February 2019
National Principals' Academy concept is worthy of support
The Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW) has given its support to the concept of a National Principals' Academy, which the Shadow Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, announced would be established under a federal Labor government.
Dr Geoff Newcombe, AISNSW Chief Executive, said the Association was particularly pleased with the commitment that a Labor government would consult with organisations currently running successful programs in school leadership and which have a strong track record in leadership development.
"This will provide opportunities for high quality programs, such as the AISNSW Leadership Centre's Flagship Program for aspiring Independent school principals, to reach an even wider audience than it does now," said Dr Newcombe.
"For many years the Independent school sector has had a strong focus on identifying staff with leadership potential, and on actively developing new generations of school leaders equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding that are needed to be successful in a leadership role in an Independent school."
The AISNSW Leadership Centre runs a number of specialised programs which have proven successful in meeting the demand for high quality professional learning in the area of school leadership, and which address the multi-dimensional nature of successful leadership in an Independent school.
These include the National Flagship Program for new or aspiring principals, a rigorous program which draws together global best practice in leadership from within the education sector and from corporate and other sectors; and the Leading from the Middle program which focuses on developing leadership capacity of those not in management roles, such as experienced classroom teachers or year coordinators who demonstrate exemplary teaching practice and can mentor or assist other teachers.
"Good leadership in a school isn't restricted to those in the role of principal – people at all levels can display great leadership qualities and have a positive influence on those around them,"
Dr Newcombe said.
"We need to harness this almost untapped capacity to drive improvement in schools and the National Principals' Academy may be a valuable step in our efforts to improve the quality of school leadership in Australia and achieve improved outcomes for all Australian students."
