Leading Learning Through a Cognitive-Affective Lens
| Presenter/s: | Emalene Cull and Mary-Anne Murphy |
| School/Institution: | Momentum Learning |
| Type: | Workshop |
| Keywords: | belonging, purpose, mastery |
Abstract
This session interrogates Cognitive-Affective Learning (CAL) as an integrated, evidence-informed framework that empowers leaders to deliberately architect environments where emotional readiness serves as the foundation for cognitive engagement and academic achievement. By synthesising insights from affective neuroscience, neurodiversity-aware practice, and culturally responsive pedagogy, CAL reframes learning as a relational process shaped by high-level leadership decisions and school-wide systems design.
Mobilised and refined within the New Zealand primary school context, the CAL framework demonstrates how leaders can embed explicit emotional literacy and regulation strategies as a core organisational pillar rather than a peripheral wellbeing “add-on”. This workshop deconstructs the design principles, implementation phases, and longitudinal outcomes of a multi-year case study. We will investigate the strategic conditions that enabled success, specifically examining how clarity of purpose, shared professional language, and coherent pedagogical programmes create the infrastructure for equity and accelerated progress across the kura.
Through the analysis of practical examples and a leadership-focused roadmap, participants will identify opportunities to strengthen the coherence between “head, heart, and learning” within their own school settings. This session establishes a critical leadership truth: when we design environments where learners feel safe, connected, and understood, cognitive challenge and academic excellence are not compromised—they are made possible. The result is a transformative shift from managing behaviour to leading learning through a sophisticated, systems-level cognitive-affective lens.
Biography
Emalene Cull and Mary-Anne Murphy
Emalene Cull is a strategic thinker, creative leader, and deeply grounded educator who brings heart and clarity to the spaces she leads. A proud descendant of Ngāi Tahu, Taranaki, and Polish heritage, she serves as the Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Paeroa, and as a Consultant with Momentum Learning. With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Emalene specialises in curriculum design, the science of learning, and emotionally intelligent leadership. She is dedicated to guiding schools through meaningful, culturally responsive change that strengthens capability, connection, and lasting impact.
Mary-Anne Murphy is a seasoned consultant and coach known for sparking meaningful change through infectious energy, deep expertise, and inclusive people skills. She partners with organisations of all sizes to deliver whole-organisation strategy shifts alongside targeted professional learning, facilitation, and coaching. Her practice is grounded in research yet remains highly practical, blending bold leadership with empowerment to ensure change is a lived, sustainable reality rather than a mere buzzword. Mary-Anne’s extensive experience across diverse professional contexts makes her a trusted partner for leaders ready to enhance their organisational impact and level up their practice.