Step Up: A Training Course for Middle Leaders 2024

The course content will be informed by the four key domains of the CSA Leadership Framework: Called, Connected, Committed which, in turn, is underpinned by both biblical principles and the AITSL Professional Standards for Principals.

The course will extend over a 9-month period and will incorporate a range of stimulating, engaging and collaborative activities, strategies and events designed to enhance and inspire the leadership journey of the course participants.

This is a 9-month course which runs from February to November 2024. If you have any queries, please contact the VIC/TAS State Office. For further information, please refer to the Step Up Course Guide.

Modes of learning will include in-person intensives, online webinars, self-assessment, peer review feedback, coaching and incorporate a capstone personal leadership project.

In-person Intensive 1: The first intensive day will provide the key foundations for the course.

Topics covered will include:
» Calling, Vocation and Leadership
» Leading & Managing Self
» Leading from the Middle
» Personal Leadership Project

In-person Intensive 2: The second intensive day will complete the course.

Topics covered will include:
» Embodying story and sustaining impact
» Managing difficult conversations and situations
» Coaching Others
» Presentation of course learnings and reflections including Personal Leadership Project

In Person Intensive Dates:

Intensive 1
Friday 9 February        » Caloundra, Queensland
Tuesday 13 February        » Perth, Western Australia
Monday 19 February       » Melbourne, Victoria
Wednesday 21 February    » Sydney or Newcastle, NSW
Friday 23 February        » Adelaide, South Australia

Intensive 2
Friday 1 November        » Caloundra, Queensland
Monday 4 November        » Sydney or Newcastle, NSW
Wednesday 6 November   » Melbourne, Victoria
Friday 8 November        » Adelaide, South Australia
Thursday 14 November     » Perth, Western Australia

Monday 18 March  » Online Masterclass 1: Leading Learning
Thursday 13 June  » Online Masterclass 2: Leading Change and Improvement
Tuesday 3 September  » Online Masterclass 3: Effective Communication

Throughout the duration of the course, participants will also:

• Complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment (pre-course) - NB Participants are responsible for the cost of this assessment (approximately $33)
• Undertake the CSA 360 Leadership Development Tool including a debrief session with an experienced leader
• Complete a Personal Leadership Project in his/her own school, using an action research methodology
• Engage in professional conversations with an executive leader. One of these conversations will be a debrief of the CSA 360 Leadership Development Tool Report. 
• Undertake structured school visits and complete a Personal Reflection Report (a minimum of two throughout the year). Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs for the school visits, as required.

The course will be facilitated by Dr Maria Varlet along with a number of other highly experienced leaders. Further details regarding course presenters to come.

Dr Maria Varlet: Executive Officer, CSA VIC/TAS

Dr Maria Varlet has been involved in Christian Education for over 30 years, holding a variety of leadership positions including Head of Research & Innovation and Campus Principal. She has served on a number of Boards including as Deputy Chair of the CSA National Council. Maria has completed extensive formal study including a doctoral thesis which contributes insights into how Christian schools might utilise professional learning strategies to address tensions between ethos and assessment practices. As the Executive Officer, VIC/TAS, Maria is looking after the portfolio of Professional Learning. She is passionate about promoting and developing exemplary education practice, challenging the status quo and equipping and inspiring others. Her professional interests include teacher professional learning, leadership development and school improvement.

At the conclusion of this event, a certificate of professional learning will be made available to attendees for self-accreditation via your member dashboard for 25 face to face hours plus additional hours of personal project time, school visits and professional conversations with a school leader. The following leadership standards will be addressed:

Leaders of Faith: Cultivating Character and Nurturing Growth
Leaders of Practice: Driving Improvement, Deepening Wisdom and Leading Learning
Leaders of Culture: Embodying Story and Building Resilience
Leaders of Vision: Sustaining Impact

If you are needing to cancel your Middle Leaders course registration, please notify the VIC/TAS office in writing. Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued after 15 days out from the course start date. Any cancellations made after this date will be charged the full registration fee. 'No Shows' to the course events will be charged the full registration fee. 

The course program is subject to change and we may not be able to provide prior notice.

Please note that registration fees do not include insurance to cover loss of any fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the course or through cancellation of the course itself. A full refund will be issued if the course is cancelled by the organiser (CSA) due to COVID-19 restrictions or any other reasons out of the organisers control.