UC doctoral grad walks the talk on school leadership

Following completion of his Masters at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), Isaac undertook his Doctor of Education via distance learning from his home in Nelson. He will cross the University’s graduation stage as Dr Day on Tuesday 26 August.

Isaac’s doctoral thesis explored why fewer teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand – and around the world – are moving into leadership roles. His research was informed by more than thirty years at the educational coalface, first as a classroom teacher in Timaru and London, and then as tumuaki principal of Enner Glynn Primary School in Nelson, a role he proudly held for 16 years.  

Having been supported to explore leadership capabilities at an early point in his career, Isaac knows firsthand how formative this can be.

“I was fortunate to work in a school that really encouraged professional development, and they suggested I do a postgraduate Diploma in Information and Communication Technology - which was the new thing in those days. 

“There was an excellent course at UC and completing that gave me a real drive to undertake further study that would enable me to develop my own interest areas,” he says.

Since finishing his doctorate, Isaac has stepped into a new role that blends his academic research with the practical knowledge he’s gained throughout his career. As a Regional Education Advisor with the Ministry of Education, he will work with educators and school leaders in Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast, providing tailored mentoring, guidance, and support.  

“I see the advisory role as twofold. Part of it is about mentoring and supporting tumuaki from Kaikoura to Haast with their personal leadership development, and the other is helping them to foster strong leaders from within their school community.”

Isaac acknowledges that leadership is challenging, but he’s optimistic about the talent already in our schools.

“Leadership is a tough gig, and I understand why people find the responsibilities daunting. But I know there’s already many kaiako [teacher] and kaimahi [workers] in our schools who are exceptional motivators and leaders. I hope I can support them to recognise those capabilities in themselves and develop confidence to engage in leadership activity with colleagues or move into formal leadership roles.”

Professor Mistilina Sato from the UC Faculty of Education’s s School of Leadership and Professional Practice, believes Isaac’s longstanding commitment to education brings real mana to his new role.

“Isaac has served ākonga [students] and kaiako of Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 20 years as a school leader. In his new role he will reach thousands of teachers with his core beliefs in a Te Tiriti focused approach to teacher development. He’s a wonderful role-model who brings a clear message and vivid, lived examples of how to achieve a culturally sustaining approach to teaching and learning.”

Although Isaac studied remotely, he’s looking forward to celebrating his graduation in Ōtautahi Christchurch with his family – including one son who is currently an undergraduate student at UC. 

It will mark another proud moment in a career that has always felt more like a calling than a job.

“I went straight from school into what was then Teacher’s College. I feel extremely fortunate to have fallen into a career that became a passion.”