Melanie Taylor

Melanie Taylor, principal at Golden Sands Primary School completed a Master of Educational Leadership studies (MEdLeadership) at the University of Waikato. "My University of Waikato Master of Educational Leadership studies really opened my eyes to leadership theory and practice and shifted my thinking. Having first-hand experience and theoretical understanding of such a challenge really helped me hit the ground running."

Melanie was part of the primary school from its inception and this experience gave her a basis for her study. "For my thesis, I conducted an in-depth case study, which included interviews and observations into the learning culture in a new school," she says. "My thesis enabled me to really analyse and dissect the process we were going through."

Melanie would encouarge any teachers who are thinking of further study, "The MEdLeadership studies programme helps teachers connect with other teachers and to build a framework of thinking at a leadership level."