Breakout Session 4 - 17th September at 10:25 - 11:05

Teacher learning communities: Leading together

Abstract

In this world of exponential change at Rototuna Senior High School (RSHS) our goal is to teach our students “How to think, NOT what to think.” Our focus is on developing the capabilities we need to design and deliver deeper learning experiences to grow creative, critical and caring thinking.

To do this we have used a combination of Theory of Improvement, Assessment for Learning and Lesson Study–a new way of viewing lesson planning and implementation for “improving not proving.”

This session will showcase RSHS’s leadership journey as we align our Strategic Plan with professional growth, pulling together instructional leadership, leadership as influence and empowering teachers as leaders.

Biography

Stephanie Harford, Miranda Makin

Miranda Makin is currently Principal at Rototuna Senior High School, a modern, purpose-built school in a rapidly growing part of Kirikiriroa. She has also been a facilitator in educational leadership at the University of Auckland and a founding member of two different Auckland secondary schools. Recently, she finished her doctoral thesis investigating how leadership capabilities are developed on the job. As a research-practitioner Miranda is passionate about leadership that promotes learning for all.

Stephanie Harford has been in education for over 20 years across a range of secondary school contexts. Steph is a Deputy Principal at Rototuna Senior High School and has been a senior leader for over 10 years. Steph is a lifelong learner who is currently working towards her EdD with a focus on educational leadership. She is a mother to twin 7 year old boys and married to Sean who is a senior microbiologist at Waikato Hospital.