Strategic Leadership for Rural Teaching Principals (SLRTP)

Rural teaching principals face challenges that their metropolitan counterparts often do not.  

Working as both teacher and principal, these leaders also have numerous other roles within their school. On top of this, in a rural context school leadership extends far into the community – to the extent that they are ‘always on’.  

Finally, there are often significant hurdles for rural teaching principals in terms of accessing development opportunities, and finding relief teaching when those opportunities arise.  

With some 20% of the country’s principals in this situation, Springboard Trust is thrilled to offer the opportunity to rural teaching principals to come together to support one another on their strategic leadership development journey.  

Strategic Leadership for Rural Teaching Principals: Expression of interest

Development for rural teaching principals 

The Strategic Leadership for Rural Teaching Principals Programme (SLRTP) is the first of its kind in New Zealand bringing together principals with shared challenges and context.   

SLRTP includes: 

• Regular online workshops and some face-to-face sessions where possible to support whakawhanaungatanga

• One-on-one support from cross-sector Impact Coaches 

• Debriefing sessions with Delivery Managers

• Cohort engagement through our Canvas LMS 

• Access to online ancillary resources  

Taken over the course of a calendar year, principals will pair with Impact Coaches – volunteers from our network of experts – and learn the fundamentals of strategic leadership and planning, with a unique focus on rural teaching principal roles.  

They will work together through our new blended learning model, combining the best of both virtual and in-person learning environments.  

As with our other programmes, the relationship with your volunteer forms the cornerstone of your learning. A high-trust relationship forms, and helps you develop your skills as a leader within the parameters of the programme.  

SLRTP eligibility requirements

SLRTP is open to all rural teaching principals who wish to enhance their strategic leadership and who:   

• Have at least two years of experience as a principal

• Have been at their current school for at least 12 months

• Have no major PLD commitments in the coming year

• Have no Commissioner or Limited Statutory Manager

• Have the support of their Board of Trustees

• Uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles through a particular focus on results for Māori young people and their whanau

• Are willing to lead others in change 

Across the 10 months, it is expected that principals will spend around two hours per week engaging in this professional learning and working with others, in addition to the workshop times.

Start your application by expressing your interest here!

Becoming an SLRTP volunteer

Volunteer Impact Coaches will be required to give around 40 hours of their time over the course of the 10 month programme.

For volunteers interested in becoming an Impact Coach, please contact our Volunteer Manager, Rebecca Brown.