Learning to lead early: Better preparing emerging leaders to lead themselves and others

The author argues that to improve leadership, we need to be more explicit about the development of new leaders and ensure they are better prepared for the leadership roles they take on. He explains why and how leadership learning should start early in a teacher’s career, providing examples from Bastow Institute programs; discusses talent identification and development; describes examples of aspiring leader development programs; comments on focuses for early learners/emerging leaders; and outlines key points to consider in preparing for principalship. He concludes that as leaders of schools and systems, we have a critical role in ensuring that leadership learning for emerging leaders is encouraged, supported and effective.