New eLearning modules for new and aspiring principals

New eLearning modules for beginning and aspiring principals are now available to access on the Education Learning Management System.

Titled Te Ara Tīmatanga Mō Ngā Tumuaki, the modules cover six key areas:

• An overview of the role of a principal and an introduction to the modules,
• connecting with others,
• looking after people,
• looking after learning,
• looking after property and the digital environment,
• looking after finances.

Read the latest print edition of School News online HERE.

The first two areas are available to access now, with the last four learning areas to be released before Term 1, 2025.  

Each learning area is supported by a podcast titled ‘The Principals (Aotearoa | New Zealand)’, available on all podcast platforms. The podcast invites experienced principals to talk about specific aspects of the role. Each episode is around 20 to 25 minutes, and is connected to a learning area or section of Te Ara Tīmatanga.  

Each module is broken down into smaller, bite-sized sections with their own learning objectives. The sections offer guidance for a specific area of principalship. This may include reflecting questions, links to useful documents and evidence-based advice and insights into challenges faced by new and beginning principals.  

The eLearning resource follows a report released by ERO last year which found over a third of principals are “beginning principals” with less than five years’ experience. The report found over 70 percent of new principals feel unprepared for their role. 

Tara Taylor-Jorgensen, director of strategy and integration at MoE, said: “From our work with beginning principals, we had been hearing an increasing number of voices requesting resources that they could work on in their own time.  

They wanted something they could dip in and out of, at their own pace. This would allow them to focus on areas they wanted to develop and spend less time on areas where they were already strong.”  

The content was developed through consultation with experienced principals about the biggest challenges of the role, and the process of learning on the job. Teachers, principals and educational writers created the content, which was then reviewed extensively by Ministry experts and external agencies and organisations before being tested on beginning principals to ensure the material was fit for purpose. 

The podcasts were developed as an introduction to the topics covered in the eLearning modules.  

“We know that time is a precious resource for principals, and we wanted to offer something that’s easy to find time for. The podcasts are short, engaging and great for listening to while you’re on the move,” said Taylor-Jorgensen. 

Keryn Burns, Tumuaki at Raureka School says she finds the content easy to use, and it’s easy to fit the learning into her busy schedule.  

“The podcasts help principals to reflect on their practise, whereas the website modules are more structured and in depth. They break topics down into small, achievable chunks which can be accessed at any time. I like that it supports timely learning. 

“Being a principal is a very busy and diverse role, and having this tool is a valuable resource.” 

In addition to the new self-directed resource, beginning and aspiring principals can also access Ministry funded services that offer guided and targeted support, including the Evaluation Associates support for beginning principals and Te Akatea Māori First Time Principals’ programme. 

The Term 4 edition of School News is out now. Read it HERE.