What you are going to learn

Course description

Overview

As teachers, we dedicate years of our lives to honing our craft. Before qualifying to enter the classroom we commit to extensive training, countless lesson observations, and constant feedback from mentors and professors, all in pursuit of the ultimate goal: making magic happen for our students. Yet leadership often happens almost by accident, with little or no training or preparation! So what happens when we're thrown into a department or team leadership position? Can being a great teacher of kids automatically translate into being a great leader of adults?

It's a daunting prospect, but fear not! The truth is, every teacher is a leader from the moment they step into the classroom. You lead your students, your colleagues, and even your students’ parents. And if you look over your shoulder and see even one person following you then, congratulations, you're already a leader!

Over two days, we'll explore the art of leadership and the science of management. We'll dive into not just what you lead, but why you lead, and how you can lead. Starting with your unique strengths and style, you'll develop a deeper understanding of who you are as an educator and what that allows you to bring to the table as a leader – and you’ll pick up some useful tools and strategies to kick start your journey in international school leadership on your way.

Are you ready to lead? The answer is almost certainly yes!

Essential Questions:

•     1. What knowledge, skills and dispositions are central to leading departments and grade level teams in international schools, and how are these supported by your strengths as a teacher in the classroom?
•     2. What is the difference between leadership and management, and why are both essential to the international school team leader?
•     3. Why is it essential for leaders to know and understand not only what they lead, but also why they lead and how they lead?

Target Audience:

This workshop is aimed at new or aspiring leaders of grade level or department teams in international schools. While the focus is on curriculum leadership, those new to pastoral leadership (head of house, head of year) will also find the course beneficial. Experienced middle leaders looking for fresh perspectives on their role may also find the course engaging.

Draft Schedule

Day One

Session 1 - "The Big Picture: The WHY, the WHAT and the HOW of Leadership"
Are you ready to take the leap and become a leader? Discover the key elements of effective leadership, including the why, what, and how of leadership, and get ready to take your first steps towards success. Explore your unique leadership DNA, uncover your strengths and learn how to harness these to become an exceptional leader in your team.

Session 2 - "Leading Learning 1 – Leading the Curriculum"
As a leader, one of your key responsibilities is to lead learning. But what is learning and what is it that is important for students to learn? Importantly, how – as a leader – do you ensure that your students are learning the right stuff?

Session 3 - "Leading Learning 2 –Leading Pedagogy"
As a leader, one of your key responsibilities is to make sure that learning is happening – which means leadership of teaching and pedagogy. What does it mean to ensure that every child has access to high quality teaching and learning opportunities?

Day Two

Session 4 - "Leading People – The Leadership of Change and Continuity; the Human Imperative"
To lead learning effectively, you must be able to lead people. Explore the human side of leadership and how to bring out the best in your team

Session 5 - "Leadership and Management – The Yin and Yang of Organisational Progress"
Effective leadership requires a balance of management skills and leadership skills. Learn how to master both and discover the key to unlocking your team's full potential.

Session 6 - "Putting It All Together: Your Leadership Manifesto"
You're now ready to lead! In this final session, you'll bring together everything you've learned and create your own leadership manifesto. Walk away with a clear plan of action and the tools you need to achieve success in your new role.

Presenter Biography – Matthew Parr
Matthew is an international educator with over 25 years of experience dedicated to helping students and colleagues reach their full potential. Beginning as a music teacher in the UK, he now serves as Head of School at Nagoya International School, a diverse CIS/WASC-accredited IB world school in Japan.
Additionally, since 2014, Matthew has been President of the Japan Council of International Schools, promoting quality education in the region. With multiple degrees and certifications, including an MSc. in Educational Leadership from the University of Leicester and advanced certifications in International School Leadership and Headship, he teaches courses on curriculum and assessment leadership for the Principals’ Training Centre and leads accreditation teams, and accreditation team training programmes for the Council of International Schools. He also serves on the International Task Force for Child Protection.
Prior to becoming Head of School, Matthew held various roles such as Music Department Head, Director of Fine Arts, Secondary School Principal, and K-12 Director of Curriculum and Professional Development. When not working, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family. He is married with two children aged 17 and 9, who constantly teach him about the joys of learning.

Registration Fee: 4980 RMB (710USD) per participant
Group Deal: 10% off per participant for 5 or more participants
Early Bird： 10% off before 20/08/2024

Refund Policy:
Refunds for the workshop may only be issued if cancelled by the Workshop leader(for reasons beyond her control) and we failed to find a suitable time for most of participants; or registered participant informs IES he/she is able to show up before 16/08/2024；
If there is insufficient registration before 16/08/2024 the IES will inform participants of the cancellation and refund the actual paid registration fee only.