Women in Educational Leadership Network Meeting

Description

These afternoon network meetings are for anyone interested in gender equality and the role of women in educational leadership. The meetings are held at various member schools in the metropolitan area in Terms 1, 2 and 4 with a conference or summit being held in Term 3. The meetings usually allow for networking from 4.30pm to 5.00pm followed by a speaker from 5.00pm to around 5.30pm. The meeting concludes with refreshments and further networking opportunities. Venues for these meetings will be advised closer to the dates of the meetings. Likewise, the speaker for the meeting will be advised prior to the meeting. Communication will be with network members and flyers will be sent to each member school to advise the details of the meeting.

‘As many teachers, particularly women, do not consider leadership roles until it is suggested to them by someone else, the identification and development of potential leaders needs to be formalised, rather than just being left to chance.’ Lacey (2005, p4)

‘In addressing this issue, some valuable lessons about women in leadership can be learned from the experience of business and other sectors, However, the unique context in education, of a lack of female principals in a predominantly female workforce, require exploration. This needs to be undertaken urgently, as Australia faces a major challenge in identifying and developing the next generation of school leaders, I believe that a strategic and cohesive national approach is required to meet that challenge and the women in our teacher workforce have a crucial role to play.’ Barbara Watterston (2010, p11)