I have recently been able to take full advantage of the very distinctive professional learning offer, ‘Leading the How of Change’ from Education Scotland. Being a headteacher in Scotland allows me to help shape the lives of learners and brings me an incredible amount of joy, however, with this pivotal role comes an immense amount of responsibility, which can sometimes leave little time for self-reflection and professional growth. Being an active participant in this offer has allowed time for this in abundance and is helping me to grow as a leader.

What sets Leading the How of Change apart?

I have found, 'Leading the How of Change' offer is not just another typical professional development course for school leaders. I feel it is designed specifically to help headteachers reflect on the processes and strategies they use to implement change within their schools, whilst using the immense knowledge, skills and experience within the room.

One of the key differentiators of this programme is its focus on giving leaders time and space - a rare and invaluable resource for many of us as headteachers. Although there have been opportunities to focus on the “what” of educational change, I have found this course encourages and enables headteachers to explore the “How” using very effective conventions for change.

The focus on actionable strategies, alongside research-based inserts, such as wisdom and cultural intelligence, are combined with dedicated time for reflection and planning. The various coaching strategies that have been introduced, modelled and explored during these sessions have allowed leaders to support each other to find answers for themselves; all of which can then also be used within our schools to help support and grow our own teams. I have found this offer meets headteachers where we are, offering tailored support that enables us to lead change in ways that align with the unique needs of our school communities.

The Importance of professional learning for headteachers

As a headteacher, I feel the weight of ensuring the school’s success every day. This includes balancing competing priorities, making thoughtful decisions, navigating educational policies, and ensuring we are having a positive impact on the young people in our communities. This often means that I am so caught up in the day-to-day operational demands of my school, therefore, that time to pause and assess my own leadership practice can be very limited.

However, professional learning for me, as a headteacher, is so important and so valuable if I am to make a difference to the young people in my community! Sadly, however, it is often the first thing to go. Taking time and space for reflection, stepping back from the pressures of my role to critically evaluate my leadership style, strategies, and decision-making processes is vital for the success of the school and my team. In this crucial time of constant change in the education sector, as leaders, we need to be able to adapt and stay abreast of evolving developments. When headteachers are given opportunities for learning and growth, we are better equipped to lead our schools effectively, provide clear direction to our staff, and foster an environment conducive to the success of our learners.

Impact of professional learning on headteachers

I am a reflective and life-long learner, and absolutely know the value of investing in professional learning as it can bring many benefits, such as:

1. Improved Leadership Skills: Professional learning has helped me to understand, develop and refine my own leadership skills. Whether it’s learning about new leadership frameworks, enhancing emotional intelligence, or understanding the latest pedagogical trends. Professional learning allows me to be better prepared to lead my team and navigate challenges.
2. Increased Confidence: Many headteachers, myself included, struggle with what we all know as, ‘Imposter Syndrome,’ (Clance and Imes,1978). Professional learning has helped me to feel more confident in my decisions and actions. Through professional learning I have gained new insights, strategies, and best practices which has led to greater self-assurance (most of the time), enabling me to make informed, effective decisions for my school community.
3. Sustained Change Management: In the ever-evolving landscape of education, managing change is an ongoing process. Professional learning allows me, as a headteacher, to develop a deeper understanding of how to lead sustainable change that has a lasting impact.
4. Networking and Collaboration: I particularly enjoy, and have benefited most, when professional learning, such as Leading the How of Change, provides opportunities to connect with peers and share experiences. This collaboration has helped me to gain new perspectives and insights, which has, in turn, informed my practice and expanded my leadership toolkit.

Why professional learning matters for the broader school community

When I engage in ongoing professional development, I try to encourage and model lifelong learning for my staff, setting a positive example of growth and reflection. This helps to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the school, where both teachers and learners are encouraged to grow and develop.

As per the National Practice Model for Professional Learning, leadership of and for learning, directly impacts learner outcomes. If, as headteachers, we have the opportunity to hone our leadership skills, we will be better equipped to make decisions that align with the needs of our learners to ensure that resources are used effectively so that change is implemented in a way that supports achievements for our learners.

Conclusion

I feel I have been very privileged to be a part of the 'Leading the How of Change' offer. After each and every opportunity to join these sessions, I have left feeling valued, empowered and motivated as a headteacher in Scotland. Professional learning opportunities, such as this offer, are an essential component of the broader educational ecosystem, helping to ensure that, schools are led by confident, capable leaders who are empowered to make a real difference for our learners and communities. The time, space, and guidance offered on this programme has allowed me to refine my leadership practice so that I can evaluate and effectively improve how I am leading change within my school.