He kaimahi - worker

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini”

‘Leading by doing’: upholding collegial practices to build capability in others in pursuit of the goals of the kura

The kaimahi leadership role is about demonstrating a strong work ethic that models commitment and dedication to the goals of the kura. The kaimahi leadership role requires versatility and the capability to undertake a variety of duties and tasks to achieve positive outcomes for learners’ learning and development. The concept of ‘leading by doing’ is at the heart of leadership for kaimahi. Kaimahi leadership is demonstrated through a ‘hands-on’ approach, in which decision making can be guided by a ‘working knowledge’ of all aspects of the kura.

Kaimahi leadership is characterised by a willingness to become involved in various forms of work when the need arises. Additionally, the kaimahi should know, understand and appreciate the work being done by others.

Key focus area: mana mokopuna

Goal: To work alongside learners to ensure that effective learning is taking place

Leadership practice:

  • working alongside learners to monitor their performance and behaviour and learn about their needs
  • developing a hands-on approach to leadership and creating opportunities to experience and personalise contact with learners
  • instilling a sense of collective endeavour in which the common goal is valued educational outcomes for learners

Key focus area: mana wairua

Goal: To work alongside learners, staff and whānau to ensure their health, safety and well-being is supported and promoted

Leadership practice:

  • maintaining relationships with learners, staff and kura whānau to support and promote health and safety practices that encourage well-being

Key focus area: mana tangata

Goal: To work alongside others as a peer, valuing everybody’s role in the kura

Leadership practice:

  • gaining the respect of others by working alongside and interacting with colleagues and staff as a peer, mentor and coach
  • showing an appreciation for others and the work that they do through experiencing the work first hand
  • providing ongoing advice to encourage risk-taking and the development of professional learning discourses

Key focus area: mana reo

Goal: To advance staff capability in and through te reo Māori

Leadership practice:

  • to identify staff te reo Māori capability and plan for their upskilling to support and extend learners’ language skills for a range of purposes

Key focus area: mana tikanga

Goal: To work with others to ensure tikanga is practised and valued at the kura

Leadership practice

  • working alongside others to determine how tikanga can be applied throughout the kura
  • encouraging input and involvement from others so that decisions involving tikanga can be reached with widespread agreement
  • promoting a collective commitment to using tikanga in all aspects of kura life

Key focus area: mana mātauranga

Goal: To work with kura whānau and iwi to promote mātauranga Māori in teaching and learning

Leadership practice

  • working with kura whānau and iwi to realise mātauranga Māori in teaching and learning programmes
  • encouraging kura whānau and iwi to support the kura through sharing and maintaining tikanga, reo and mātauranga

Key focus area: mana ā-kura

Goal: To work with teachers to successfully implement kura priorities, goals and aspirations

Leadership practice:

  • encouraging commitment to kura priorities, goals and aspirations from all stakeholders
  • encouraging a collective spirit and enthusiasm for the goals of the kura
  • supporting teachers to work towards achieving these priorities, goals and aspirations
  • working alongside teachers to identify individual strengths and weaknesses, and to make adjustments that benefit learner development

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