"Towards Reconceptualising Leadership: The Implications of the Revised New Zealand Curriculum for School Leaders".

This article discusses the New Zealand Curriculum and the opportunities that arise from having such an open curriculum. When I trained as a teacher it was the first year that the new curriculum was implemented. Because of this it is all I know! I have seen parts of the old curriculum books and see how prescriptive it used to be. I understand how some more experienced teachers may struggle with the freedom of the new curriculum. Some want to know exactly what to teach and when as opposed to designing learning opportunities for children. it also states that schools should be sharing leadership opportunities amongst staff as opposed to a top down hierarchy approach. In our school we are very lucky to have leadership opportunities that are shared around.

According to Wynne (2001) the literature on teacher leadership offers a profile that defines teacher leaders as those who:

 • demonstrate expertise in their instruction and share that knowledge with other professionals

 • are consistently on a professional learning curve

 • frequently reflect on their work to stay on the cutting edge of what is best for children

• engage in continuous action research projects that examine their effectiveness

• collaborate with their peers, parents, and communities, engaging them in dialogues of open inquiry/action/ assessment models of change Towards Reconceptualising Leadership: The Implications of the Revised New Zealand Curriculum for School Leaders Case Study 3

 • become socially conscious and politically involved

 • mentor new teachers

 • become more involved at universities in the preparation of pre-service teachers

 • are risk-takers who participate in school decisions. (Wynne, 2001, pp. 2–3)

This has caused me to reflect on my own leadership qualities. Currently I do not really recognise myself as a leader as I am a teacher with only 5 years of experience working alongside people who have been in the industry for many years. If I compare myself to the list above I see some similarities.

• I have been given the opportunity to participate in the Digital Leaders cluster and attend meetings and PD sessions. I have reported and shared this learning with others in the school and presented back to staff.
• I constantly reflect on teaching and learning and seek ways to improve and refine my practice. As part of this I complete a teacher inquiry which consists of reflection, research, action plans and implementation.
• I have had the opportunity to mentor a beginning teacher for a short period of time.

One thing I can saw is currently a weakness of mine is engaging in political decision making.