'This one of the most informative middle management courses in the country. A very accessible, innovative and organised approach'  '

The content of the course is of a high quality and offers a very good introduction to leadership theory and practical application in the Irish context. The resources provided are relevant, up-to-date and draw on the work of recognised experts, the support services and Department of Education policy'

‘Undertaking this course has been an extremely positive learning curve. I don’t believe this course is just suited to teachers pursuing a management position, I think any teacher with a genuine moral purpose should, and could, undertake this course as part of the professional development’

‘I have taken so much from this course. It really has been so valuable to me. I have recently secured an AP post and now feel more confident and competent going into my new role in September’

‘I will be applying for an AP post in October and I now feel much more prepared for the interview and hopefully for the role itself’

'This course covered so many different areas all of which are very relevant to me in my role as principal. I feel more confident now in approaching the appointment of the next middle leader in the school and that is thanks to the course.'

'I now feel confident applying or the position of AP. Regardless of the interview, I will still use the information from this course as I lead the others teams that I am a member of.'

'I learned a lot about myself as a leader but I also gained the confidence I needed to try new concepts and ideas that I would have been nervous about.  On completion of this course I feel I am more knowledgeable to fulfil my role as AP.'

'I have found myself looking at things in a new light now after completing this course.  I feel a new level of confidence in myself as a leader that I didn’t have before I did this course.’ 

'As principal,  I now have an in school management team, and the reason I did the course was to get the most out of them for our students. I really think this has been a huge help!'

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 

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 

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

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 

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