WHAT OTHERS SAY

TAHATAI COAST SCHOOL

Matthew Skilton, Principal of Tahatai Coast School, Tauranga

"Through working with Laura over the past four years I have developed immensely in my capability and capacity as an educational leader. Laura's understanding of the role of a school principal, professionalism and knowledge of educational leadership makes for a working relationship that gets the best out of you. As my appraiser I enjoyed the balance Laura provided between working you through a robust process along with the provision of both support and guidance. Laura is an experienced coach who is an active listener and appropriately challenges through effective questioning. As a facilitator of a Professional Learning Group I appreciated how Laura recognised each member’s individual context, developed collaboration, created high levels of trust, promoted reflection, and provided lots of opportunities to share and problem solve. It is without hesitation I would highly recommend Laura Snowden as both an appraiser and facilitator for professional learning groups".

INGLEWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Karen Patterson, Principal Inglewood Primary School, Taranaki

“Laura has worked alongside our school with regard to Professional Supervision and also Principal and Deputy Principal Appraisals. Laura has also worked with us as a group of Principals and Middle Leaders within the Inglewood and Stratford areas of Taranaki. While we utilise set texts - Leadership and Inquiry based, Laura facilitates active sessions of questioning and deep thinking of what it is we are reading. We as Leaders, explore the Emotion, Cognition and Growth aspects of what we consider important aspects of the set text. We are challenged by Laura, to link our thinking and learning to explicit and deliberate acts of Leadership within our schools.

Laura, is very experienced, knowledgeable and supportive as a Leader of Learning and facilitation. I would highly recommend her.”

TAWHAI SCHOOL

Karen Poole, Principal Tawhai School, Stokes Valley, Wellington

“I have worked with Laura since 2014 as a Deputy Principal and since 2016 as a Principal. Throughout this time she has provided coaching for the leadership team, completed my Principal Appraisal and facilitated the Professional Learning Group (PLG) I have been involved in.

Through challenge and critique, Laura has supported the senior leadership team to build their own capacity as leaders, as well as enhance the collaborative team as a whole. Her ability to form respectful and trusting relationships has been fundamental to the success of her coaching and mentoring.

The Principal Appraisal process is a robust process designed to go well beyond proving practice and focus on improving practise. Laura provides supportive challenge to promote and enhance professional growth. She listens with empathy and asks the hard questions when reflecting on leadership inquiries- always with the best interests of the children at the heart.

Laura's knowledge, guidance and ability to instil a sense of self belief in the leaders she works with, has been a huge asset to Tawhai School”