Middle Leadership and Management 

Teachers Leading from the Middle 

Are you a classroom teacher who you  would like to take on a middle leadership role?  Are you currently in a middle leadership role such as assistant principal?  Are you a principal looking to maximise the positive impact of middle leadership in your school? This course will empower aspiring and current middle leaders  to play their part in sustainable improvements to teaching and learning through quality leadership and management.  

Using evidence based research teachers will be introduced to educational leadership and  the multi faceted role of middle leaders.  Explore the benefits of middle leadership, the qualities and skills required and the day to day realities of middle leadership.  Develop your project management skills and consider the role you can play in leading change and whole school improvement.  

Identify strategies to develop positive collegial relationships whilst also supporting your colleagues in their professional learning.  Finally, examine interview criteria for middle leadership positions and  sustainable leadership practices that can support your own wellbeing when in the role.  

Testimonials 

'The overall quality of this course was very good...the resources presented have potential use on return to schools regardless of the extent of prior experience in leadership and management' (Department of Education Inspector)

What the participants said about this course

'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!'


Course Outline 

Module 1 - Educational Leadership

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:



Module 2 - Middle Leadership

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.   



Module 3 - Leading from the Middle 

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?


Module 4 - Middle leadership and whole school development  

Middle leaders can have a big influence on whole schools initiatives and developments.  In this module you will:


Module 5 - Building Relationships and Preparing for Middle Leadership

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.


Course Author 

'Middle leaders can play a vital role in schools and have a big influence on teaching and learning.  I designed this course to help teachers to play to their strengths and to sustainably  lead from the middle'

Liam Clohessy

Liam is a primary school teacher from Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, Cobh, Co. Cork. He currently works in curriculum development and was previously seconded to the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) working as a Health and Wellbeing Advisor supporting school leadership and management teams across Ireland.  Liam also completed a PhD in the area of primary physical education leadership and has authored a number of publications in this area.  He is a former chairperson of the Irish Primary PE Association and co-host of the podcast 'Playful and Practical PE'.  Liam has also previously worked as a lecturer in Mary Immaculate College and with the Active School Flag organisation where he supported teacher leaders in developing positive whole school changes.


Pricing 

Each individual course costs €69

2 Course bundle costs €99

3 Course bundle costs €129


SummerCPD Dates 

All of our courses are available online from the 1st July - 28th July 2024Courses must be fully completed within this time frame.

Questions?

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions page on this website. If you have further queries please email contactsummercpd@gmail.com