Why is educational leadership talked about in so many schools across Australia, and what does it actually mean for the everyday teacher?

Whether you’ve just completed a diploma of school age education and care or are building on years of classroom experience, options for leadership can be more within reach than you realise. Whether it is navigating curriculum development or supporting other educators, leadership positions enable teachers to expand their reach far beyond the walls of their own classrooms.
Here’s everything you need to know about these roles and how they can help shape your future in teaching.
 

What is educational leadership?

Educational leadership is something that goes way beyond simply teaching. It’s all about trying to lead, motivate and inspire not just students but also our fellow teachers. 

Leadership in education focuses on improving teaching and learning outcomes, fostering professional growth, and building a positive school culture. Unlike administrative leadership, which is more management-oriented, educational leadership is firmly rooted in pedagogy — how we teach, why we teach, and how we can teach better. 

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not only school principals that provide educational leadership in Australia. Opportunities exist at various levels, from classroom teachers taking on additional responsibilities to heads of departments and curriculum leaders. These roles have a potential for influencing school-wide practices and building the culture of learning. The collaborative approach of education leadership has leaders working with each other, utilising various resources and strategies to enhance teaching quality.
 

Roles of assistant and deputy principals

Assistant principals (APs) and deputy principals (DPs) are part of the backbone in Australian schools, translating ideas from teachers into actions made by the executive teams. They are the ones who run the school each day, support teaching staff and meeting academic as well behavioural goals.

In addition, APs and DPs also offer mentorship to help teachers with curriculum matters, professional development and student welfare issues. Their role isn’t just about administration — they help teachers leverage opportunities for development, be it through facilitating professional learning sessions or coaching new classroom educators. APs and DPs stay updated on educational trends and innovations, ensuring their school maintains its competitive edge.
 

Heads of departments (HODs)

Heads of departments (HODs) play a crucial role in driving subject-specific standards and curriculum excellence, both across secondary schools where students prepare for VCE or alternative pathways, and tertiary institutions where departments or faculties are rigidly defined. In schools across the country, HODs lead teams of teachers in their subject area — whether that’s Science, English, or Mathematics — and ensure that lessons align with both school goals and the national curriculum.

If you’re a teacher passionate about any particular subject and are interested in leadership — stepping into the role of a HOD provides an opportunity to have more impact on teaching practices. HODs work closely with their teams to develop lesson plans and resources and ensure that teaching methodologies are relevant and up to date. They are champions for staff training and advances in their divisions, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the tools they need to be successful.
 

Year-level co-ordinators and pastoral care leaders

Year level-coordinators and pastoral care leaders concentrate on the welfare of students to facilitate their overall development. Such roles include providing emotional, social and academic support to students over the school year. Teachers in this position are in constant contact with students, parents and other staff members to manage behavioural issues, provide emotional support and nurture a positive learning environment.

If you have a desire to create a systemic change in student well-being, these leadership roles are an incredibly rewarding way to achieve that. They support students in their journey through key points of schooling — such as organising camps and assemblies to managing year-level concerns. 

Meanwhile, pastoral care leaders are responsible solely for emotional and social support — looking after the welfare of their students as well as academic concerns.
 

Curriculum leaders/instructional coaches

Curriculum leaders and instructional coaches are vital in shaping the quality of teaching across the school. Curriculum leaders are responsible for developing the curriculum plan of what needs to be implemented in each class, ensuring that they meet national standards while being engaging and relatable for students. These positions are responsible for collaborating with teachers developing cohesive curriculum, implementing new teaching practices and matching classroom activities to the educational goals of the school.

On the other hand, instructional coaches work one-on-one with teachers to help them fine-tune their teaching practices. They watch lessons, give teachers feedback on lesson design and offer suggestions for improving student learning. Instructional coaching is a great opportunity to lead while continuing to grow as a teacher.
 

Moving Into leadership roles: what you need to know

So, how do you move into an educational leadership role? In most cases, this will often begin with smaller responsibilities like leading a team or coordinating school projects. For most teachers this starts with taking initiative in their current role, whether that be running a professional learning session or stepping up to help curriculum planning.

Strive for personal growth. Sign up for leadership bootcamps, enrol in higher education courses or apply to a mentorship program. For example, completing programs like a Diploma of School Age Education and Care or enrolling in leadership courses can make you stand out when leadership positions arise.

Networking is also important. Developing relationships with other teachers, not just in your school but across the system may lead to leadership opportunities. Positions of leadership are frequently held by teachers who demonstrate initiative, collaboration, and a genuine passion for improving educational outcomes.

Conclusion 

There are many opportunities for teachers to take on leadership roles in education, leading the way with innovative ideas that affect positive change and motivate others.

Whether you’re aiming to become an assistant principal, head of department, or year-level coordinator, leadership roles allow you to shape the future of your school and the broader education system. And remember — educational leadership is more than just climbing the career ladder. It’s all about creating a positive influence on others.

So, if you’re a teacher looking to step up, why not consider where your leadership journey could take you?