Tē tōia, tē haumatia
Nothing can be achieved without a plan
At Springboard Trust, we take school leaders on a transformative learning journey. Typically, but not as a rule, this begins with one of our foundation programmes – the Strategic Leadership for Principals Programme or the Strategic Leadership for Rural Teaching Principals Programme.
Through our programmes and workshops, school leaders work with expert cross-sector volunteers to build their leadership skills and style, creating the conditions for positive change in their school.
While Springboard Trust is a not for profit organisation there is a cost for our programmes to enable broad access for school leaders in Aotearoa. This is covered by our philanthropic partners for dozens of principals every year – and from 2022 onwards, we are also welcoming applications through alternate funding avenues.
When a school leader first contacts Springboard Trust, this is what they can expect:
1. Expression of interest
Leaders let us know they would like to work with us, either on a particular programme or workshop or on something more tailored to their leadership, students, community or needs.
Click here to express your interest in our upcoming programmes.
2. We contact you
One of the Springboard Team will contact you to talk through the application process, asking more about your leadership, school and plans for the future. This conversation will assist you to decide whether or not to make a formal application. You will then receive an email inviting you to complete an application, or advising alternative pathways to support your learning.
3. Prioritisation of school leaders
Every year, the number of school leaders applying for Springboard Trust programmes exceeds the resource we have to deliver. As part of our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supporting leaders and schools with the greatest need – with a particular focus on equity – we will prioritise our philanthropically funded placements for principals who:
- Are at least two years into their principalship, and one year into principalship at their current school
- Have no major existing PLD commitments in the coming year
- Have no commissioner or Limited Statutory Manager
- Have the express support of their Board of Trustees
- Are Māori or Pasifika, or lead schools / communities with strong representation of these groups
- Are willing to lead others in change
- Are a teaching principal (SLRTP only)
- Work at a U1 or U2 school (SLRTP only)
- Are located a significant distance from the nearest metropolitan centre (SLRTP only)
Of course, these criteria are not intended to preclude school leaders from working with us at all – we will always strive to find a way to support tumuaki across Aotearoa.
4. Processing applications
We take into account your application, the above criteria, the number of applicants, locations, desired modes of delivery and our capacity to deliver.
5. Response
One of the Springboard Trust team will be in touch to arrange an interview with you to gain deeper knowledge regarding your leadership. We may contact your referee following this, and make our final decisions regarding the next intake of principals to our programmes
We will let you know if your application was successful and the anticipated start time for your cohort – You will be matched with a cross-sector volunteer and you can look forward to the programme beginning!
If your application for a philanthropically funded place was unsuccessful, we will still let you know, and are more than happy to explore whether there is another way we can support your leadership journey.
Our vision is to Transform Schools Together, and we want to do that for as many Aotearoa schools as possible. If you’re ready to begin your journey with us, let us know where you’d like to start!
