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    An examination of the issues facing first time subject leaders during their first year of appointment in New Zealand secondary schools

    Bennet, John

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    Date
    2008
    Citation:
    Bennet, J. (2008). An examination of the issues facing first time subject leaders during their first year of appointment in New Zealand secondary schools. Unpublished thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree of Master of Educational Leadership and Management, Unitec Institute of Technology, New Zealand.
    Permanent link to Research Bank record:
    https://hdl.handle.net/10652/1299
    Abstract
    This research examines the issues faced by first time subject leaders as they endeavour to come to terms with the nature of the subject leader’s roles. The subject leaders’ role has undergone change in recent times, and is becoming increasingly complex. The tensions inherent in the role, and the support and development that they receive are explored. A small scale qualitative study is used to examine the issues facing first time subject leaders in New Zealand secondary schools. Interviews with six first time subject leaders from two urban secondary schools in New Zealand provide in depth data. Questionnaires from senior leaders in each school together with supplied documentary evidence provide further evidence and enable triangulation to validate the findings. The findings of this research indicate that the role of subject leader has not been clearly defined in the participating schools. This lack of clarity has caused problems for first time subject leaders in understanding and developing for the role. At the same time the subject leaders experienced tensions between the new role and their teaching, and between the role of leader and being a colleague. A major issue for first time subject leaders was the lack of structured support and development for the role. Lack of role clarity, poor planning and unstructured support are seen as barriers to accessing development for the role. A lack of time internally to provide development opportunities and limited provision by external providers were also identified as issues for first time subject leaders. Conceptualising these findings in a theoretical model enables the underlying causes of the issues to be identified. This research indicates the need to provide greater clarity in the role definition of subject leader, and to ensure more, and more effective professional development opportunities for subject leaders.
    Keywords:
    subject leaders, New Zealand secondary schools
    ANZSRC Field of Research:
    Education (330000)
    Degree:
    Master of Educational Leadership and Management (School of Education)
    Supervisors:
    Collins, Jennifer
    Copyright Holder:
    John Bennet
    Rights:
    This digital work is protected by copyright. It may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: Any use you make of these documents or images must be for research or private study purposes only, and you may not make them available to any other person. You will recognise the author's and publishers rights and give due acknowledgement where appropriate.
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    • Education Dissertations and Theses [163]

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    © Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142
     

     

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    © Unitec Institute of Technology, Private Bag 92025, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142