Student Highlights
A guiding principal in leadership and management in education
As the Principal of Toronto High School, Mark is responsible for leading and managing not only staff members but also a large cohort of students.
After previously completing his Bachelor of Education at the University of Newcastle, Mark felt that completing postgraduate study could help him further develop his skills to be a better educator and principal.
“I’d made strong connections with the University of Newcastle during my undergraduate studies and it seemed like a great match for my postgraduate program,” said Mark.
So, he enrolled in the Master of Leadership and Management in Education.
“In my role, I’m accountable for the educational leadership of over 80 teachers and 1,000 students. This is a significant responsibility and was one of my motivating factors to pursue a postgraduate degree.
“The Master of Leadership and Management in Education was great because it reinforced and supported the educational structures and strategies that I was implementing at our school.
“It also confirmed that everything we were doing as a school was aligned to the latest educational research. I really enjoy translating theory into practice,” said Mark.
So how does a high school principal juggle work, postgraduate study and everyday life? Well for Mark, it’s a balancing act that involves focusing on time management and ensuring his study will help support his career and success as a leader.
“Contrary to popular belief, teachers work long hours. As a teacher and now as a Principal I would work up to 70 hours a week. I therefore completed the Master of Leadership and Management in Education part-time over three years.
“Where possible I tried to align assignments so that they were applicable to my everyday work.
“Overall it is an experience that I would recommend for those that are aspiring to move into leadership positions or who are currently in leadership positions in schools,” said Mark.
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Mark McConville
Mark felt that completing postgraduate study could help him further develop his skills to be a better educator and principal.
It is an experience that I would recommend for those that are aspiring to move into leadership positions or who are currently in leadership positions in schools.
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