NSW Secondary Deputy Principals Association Inc.
Keynote 4
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NSW Secondary Deputy Principals Association Inc.Keynote 4
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Heroes
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Chris Presland currently works as a Principal Liaison Officer with the NSW Department of Education and Training. For the five years from 2001, he was the Principal of Airds High School, located at Campbelltown in the South Western suburbs of Sydney. He has a strong history of developing a shared understanding of learning across subject areas, leading to improved teaching and learning, and greater levels of professional dialogue between teachers. He has presented keynote speeches and workshops relating to successful organisational change and the foundations for effective leadership, for audiences in the USA, from New Zealand, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and in many locations across NSW. Whether in writing or as a lively facilitator, his areas of expertise focus upon the processes rather than just the theory of how to create highly focused and dynamic organisations. As a presenter Chris brings with him many years of educational leadership and derives his credibility not only from his knowledge of “process” but also from the fact that he is a recent school based practitioner, with years of experience in some of the most challenging educational and socio economically disadvantaged environments. |
BA / Dip Ed (Sydney Uni) |
Chris is currently a member of the executive of the NSW Secondary Principals’ Council (NSW SPC), the executive member of the NSW SPC Leadership Reference Group, Convener of the NSW Branch of the Australian Principals’ Associations Professional Development Council (APAPDC), a NSW Fellow of the Australian Council for Educational Leaders and is a representative on the NSW DET School Leadership Development Reference Group.
Chris was a recipient in 2003 of a Director General’s award for “Excellent Service to Public Education”, was listed in the 2004 “Australia’s Smart 100” awards conducted by The Bulletin magazine and Microsoft Australia, received a 2005 Macarthur Outstanding Educator Award from the Australian College of Educators, and in 2006 received a “National Outstanding Achievement by a Principal” award from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.
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9886 7745 |
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9886 7797 |
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Why is it that it seems to have become so fashionable to be critical of what the researchers label “hero leaders”? Is it the ultimate manifestation of the tall poppy syndrome, or a genuine attempt to focus us upon some form of sustainable leadership? Does it have to be either / or and why are researchers so determined to label leadership styles as if they are competing products and we must select one or the other as the need arises?
This interactive presentation challenges us to think more deeply about heroism and the sorts of heroic traits we need to identify, protect and celebrate. In a contemporary society in which economic rationalism prevails, along with heavily line managed systems thinking, labels, boxes, styles, protocols, standardised frameworks and conformity, participants will be challenged about what we mean when we think of heroism. The presentation is sometimes confronting, frequently moving and definitely uplifting for any soul.
Do we need another hero? Absolutely!
Page last updated August 2008
