Meitheal
A leadership development programme for principals with a minimum of five years’ experience
Meitheal is a participant-led leadership development programme that is responsive to the individual professional needs of school principals. It draws upon the skills and techniques associated with coaching.A skilled facilitator works collaboratively with small groups (4 – 6 participants) using a developmental model to enhance leadership skills.
The Meitheal programme runs over a two-year period. The group typically meets each year for four sessions lasting approximately two hours. Each group will agree the date and time of these sessions.
Information meetings for prospective participants will be held locally in May / June 2020, with the next programme commencing in September 2020.
Mutual trust and confidentiality form the basis of the programme.
The programme is underpinned by literature and research in the following areas:
- Social network theory
- Professional learning communities and communities of practice
Some testimonials from previous participants:
B'fhiú go mór dom páirt a ghlacadh i 'Meitheal' i mbliana. Tugadh comhairle, spreagadh agus eolas dom in atmaisféar a bhí cáirdiúil ,spóirtiúil agus an taitneamhach. D'fhoghlaim mé a lán agus fuair mé smaointe dearfacha ó gach éinne .
I enjoyed the support of a small group of like-minded professionals with similar experience, facing similar challenges. Meitheal provided an opportunity to discuss topics in a confidential, non-judgemental environment. I felt more comfortable contributing to the discussion in this small group than I do within larger support groups.
Meitheal was certainly valuable to me - I could air issues at this forum where I know could not elsewhere, and as the meetings progressed a sense of camaraderie developed, resulting in confidentiality being assured.
