Principal Pathway

Become a Partner School

Becoming a Partner School to get the most out of the Mastery Teaching Pathway. School Partners have free access to all resources and services on the GGSA Membership Platform. Signing your school up is free. Just provide your team emails and we do the rest.

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Pathway

Supports principals to build their expertise to mastery in leading their school delivery of effective teaching, positive high-expectations, culture of school practice and school improvement.

Focuses on instructional leadership, data-driven improvement, collegial practice and community engagement as core responsibilities of school leadership. The instruction model is direct and explicit instruction.

Mastery Leadership Pathway Course

For principals who want to master their ability to lead whole school improvement in school culture, programs and practice by developing their instructional leadership in leading whole school effective teaching, school improvement and positive high-expectations practices.

Course Modules

Unit 1 – Coaching Teaching

Learn Effective Teaching Essentials
Learn Cycles of School Practice
Build Positive High Expectations Communities
Deliver Positive High-Expectations Coaching
Deliver Effective Teaching Techniques Coaching
Deliver Cycles of School Practice Coaching
Deliver Continuous Improvement Coaching
Support Families in Positive High Expectations Schools

Unit 2 – Embedding Skills

Embed Effective Teaching Techniques Coaching
Embed Cycles of School Practice
Embed Continuous Improvement Coaching
Embed Positive High Expectations Coaching
Administer Placement Tests
Set Up Classrooms for Positive Behaviour

Unit 3 – Influencing and Leading

Influence Positive High Expectations Coaching
Lead Positive High Expectations Coaching
Embed Supporting Students with Low Executive Functioning
Demonstrate Mastery of Techniques and Practices
University Enrolment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Delivery

Teaching assistants collaborating during a Mastery Teaching Support Foundation Course session

Participants must work in a primary, secondary or special school that is planning to, or is currently delivering, direct or explicit instruction.

Modules are self-paced and can be worked on at any time. Each lesson contains a check for understanding test about skills and knowledge being taught. There is also a test for understanding at the end of each module.

Some modules require participants to demonstrate specific techniques or practices they learnt and then perfected in practice. This is completed by a school supervisor or GGSA expert via video recording.

Courses take between 6–12 months to complete, depending on the participants experience and time commitment.

All modules align to the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Australian Professional Standards for Principals and the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Gain a Qualification

Courses are a way to fast track into a qualification, improve your practice and get the most out of your learning.

Step 1. Become a Partner School

Your school signs up and every team member gets a personalised Learning Plan and can do a course that fast-tracks them into a qualification.
Step 2. Complete Your Course

Enroll in the course and complete modules, receive certification, and practice your new learning in school to master your role.
Step 3. Apply to University Partner

Enroll in your qualification and gain innovative RPL for completed modules, and earn course credits towards your qualification.

Learning Plan

When your school becomes a School Partner a Learning Plan is automatically generated for you. The plan is a roadmap of support for you as you transition from foundational capability to lead-level mastery.

What it covers

tracks core and elective modules
states required knowledge, skills and practices
sets development milestones and certification options
records evidence of completion and mastery

School Support Hub

The School Support Hub is accessed through the membership platform. Support is provided live online by GGSA experts. Members can book into any sessions that run throughout the year. Types of sessions include:

course information sessions
professional sessions
school team learning
school team program implementation webinars

School Support Hub team members in an online support session

Frequently Asked Questions

Read through our FAQs to get answers to our most common queries.
Want to get in touch? Send our team an email at info@goodtogreatschools.org.au. We are happy to help.

What is professional learning?

Professional learning is academic and practice-based education that strengthens participants mastery of skills and knowledge.

Why is professional learning important?

Professional learning is essential for continuous improvement and staying current with best practices in education.

What is a professional learning plan?

A professional learning plan is a structured document that outlines your development goals, milestones, and pathways to achieving mastery.

How does professional learning impact student learning?

Professional learning directly impacts student outcomes by equipping educators with evidence-based strategies and practices.

Why is schoolwide professional learning so important?

Schoolwide professional learning ensures consistency of practice and builds collective capacity across the entire school community.

How do I track my progress through the Mastery Teaching Pathway?

Your Learning Plan tracks your progress automatically, showing completed modules, certifications earned, and next steps.

Can I adjust my learning plan over time?

Yes, your learning plan can be adjusted to reflect changes in your role, goals, or areas of focus.

How do I gain certification?

Certification is gained by completing all required modules and assessments within your chosen pathway.

What will I get out of the course?

You will gain practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional certification to advance your career.

How do I gain the qualification?

After completing your course, you can apply to our university partner for recognition of prior learning and gain credits towards a formal qualification.

How does this increase my job prospects?

The Mastery Teaching Pathway provides recognised certification and qualifications that demonstrate your expertise to employers.

Who supports me during my pathway journey?

You are supported by GGSA experts through the School Support Hub, your school supervisor, and the online learning community.