School leadership development
Direction and guidance on the range of leadership development programs and resources the department offers. Excellence in school leadership is essential to achieving the best outcomes for students. The department is committed to fostering the development of school leadership skills at all career stages.
Audience
All teaching staff in NSW public schools who aspire to, are currently relieving in or hold a substantive school leadership position, including principals, deputy principals, assistant principals and head teachers.
| Version | Date | Description of changes | Approved by |
|---|---|---|---|
| V01.0.0 | 30/08/2024 | Under the 2023 Policy and procedure review program, new policy document with consolidated instructions previously provided in the School leadership policy and procedures. | Director, School Leadership Institute |
| Ongoing union consultation is occurring and amendments may be made from time to time. |
About the policy
Under the Professional learning, performance and accreditation policy, the department is proudly committed to assisting teachers and principals in NSW public schools and early childhood services deliver child and student outcomes, as well as supporting continued performance, growth and development by providing all employees with access to relevant training and develpment activities (including on-the-job training), to enhance the skills and knowledge relevant to their role.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| School Leadership Institute | The School Leadership Institute (SLI) oversees the department’s school leadership development programs. The SLI provides evidence-informed, future-focused leadership programs and resources to support school leaders at every stage of their career. |
What needs to be done
The School Leadership Institute (SLI) provides a range of resources and leadership programs to support school leaders and teaching staff wanting to progress to a leadership position.
1. Understand the leadership role requirements
Teaching staff wanting to progress to, or relieve in positions as principals, deputy principals, assistant principals or head teachers, must first understand the key accountabilities and expectations for the role. This includes teaching staff already in, or relieving in, leadership positions.
The School Leadership Institute provides role descriptions and supporting resources for the following roles:
2. Choose programs to suit aspirations and interests
Leadership programs and resources are available on the SLI resources intranet pages. Teaching staff must choose programs that suit their experience, career aspirations and interests.
All first-time, newly appointed, as well as long-term relieving head teachers, assistant principals, deputy principals and principals are strongly encouraged to attend induction programs to support them in their role.
3. Get approval to enrol in a program
Teaching staff are required to discuss their professional development plans with their supervisor. Teaching staff members must have their supervisor’s agreement before they can participate in an SLI leadership program.
SLI programs can go towards professional development hours to support maintenance of accreditation.
Supporting tools, resources and related information
- School Leadership Institute resources
- School Leadership Development Strategy
- Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) – Australian Professional Standard for Principals
Policy contact
The Director, School Leadership Institute monitors the implementation of this procedure, regularly reviews its contents to ensure its relevance and accuracy, and updates it as needed.