Breakout Session 3 - 13th May at 3:45 - 4:30

Navigating the Winds of Change Through Coaching Leadership

Presenter/s: Urs Cunningham
Type: Workshop / facilitated discussion
Keywords: Coaching, Growing, Flourishing
Room: Mustang

Abstract

“When we discover in this world no earth or rock to stand or walk upon but only shifting sea and sky and wind, the mature response is not to lament the loss of fixity but to learn to sail.” – James Boyd White

In a current educational landscape defined by “shifting sea and sky and wind,” the most effective leaders are not those seeking to hold onto the fixity of the past, but those who have mastered the art of sailing. How do we cultivate the resilience and reflection necessary to navigate these constant changes while empowering others to do the same?

In this interactive 45-minute workshop, I will explore the power of a coaching approach as the ultimate compass for school leaders. Grounded in the philosophy that true leadership begins with deep self-awareness—understanding our own strengths, weaknesses, and the unique hope and optimism we bring to our school communities—we will examine how coaching transforms not just our own practice, but the growth of every teacher we lead.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mastering the Sail: Learn how to move from a directive leadership style to a reflective, coaching-centered approach that builds resilience in an unpredictable environment.
  • The Coaching Leadership Framework: I will share a coaching leadership framework designed specifically for growing the leadership in all kaiako at our school.  You will have the chance to explore this tool to map your current coaching leadership and identify tangible “next steps” to deepen your impact.
  • Designing the Future: Explore how to marry optimism with action, ensuring that as you grow and develop yourself, you are simultaneously creating the conditions for your staff to flourish.

Join me to reflect on the legacy of your past leadership, assess your current coaching rhythm, and chart a course for the future of your school. Leave this session with a tool to assist with a clear understanding of your strengths and a practical plan to lead with both clarity and courage.

Biography

Urs Cunningham

Urs is of Irish, Scottish and English descent, and was born and raised in Liverpool, in the UK. She has been a teacher and leader in primary schools in Malawi (Africa), Liverpool (UK) and Wellington, and has been the tumuaki (principal) of Amesbury School in Churton Park, Wellington for the past six years, having been part of the foundation leadership team to open this brand new school in 2012. 

Urs’s entry into leadership was anything but conventional. One evening, her (then) school leader knocked on her door with news of an unexpected leadership emergency — and by the next morning, Urs was at the helm embroiled in senior leadership of a school. It was a leap into the unknown, but one that revealed her innate capacity to lead with presence, humility and strength. Since then, her leadership journey has been shaped by the guidance of several inspiring mentors. She describes her style as an amalgam of all the best things she’s learned from those who have gone before her — a blend of wisdom, generosity, and grounded purpose.

With all of this, Urs seeks to lead, and to support others to lead, with optimism and hope for the future, despite the turbulent seas!