Leadership Development Program (LDP)

Any teacher or current leader in a Lutheran school or service who feels they have an interest in and the potential for formal leadership in Lutheran education is invited to apply to participate in the program.

The LDP is a strategic program to build leadership capacity for Lutheran schools and ECSs, not just for the position of principal but also other formal leadership positions. Lutheran schools and ECSs are increasingly recognising the value of distributing leadership throughout the organisation.

Staff in Lutheran schools and ECSs who have completed a post graduate education or leadership qualification either through Australian Lutheran College (ALC) or other higher education institutions can apply, however, you can also apply for accreditation as a leader through the recognition of prior learning (RPL) pathway if you have already completed postgraduate study in both educational leadership and Lutheran theology. Further information can be found here.

An extensive reflection process throughout the program provides feedback about current capabilities and potential for leadership and will identify strategies through which a person can equip themselves for leadership. The reality of employment processes in Lutheran education means that participation in LDP does not guarantee appointment to a particular position in a particular time frame. A graduate of the LDP is able to articulate how they can best live out their vocation in the context of Lutheran education and can feel more confident knowing their capabilities and what they can offer an employer when making application for leadership positions.

The Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) has a preference that all Lutheran school principals, directors, deputy principals and heads of sub-schools should be active members of the LCA. Since Lutheran education is a vital part of the mission and ministry of the LCA it is expected that those who lead them will personally and actively identify with its mission. Lutheran education values the contribution of all staff members and can only operate with the support and service of a considerable number of Christians other than Lutherans. Significant leadership in a variety of positions in Lutheran education is provided by committed Christians from other denominations. Christian educators in the Lutheran education are invited to apply to participate in the LDP with the knowledge of the above policy. All participants will gain significant benefits from the leadership program for any position that they hold.

No, a panel will select up to thirty people for each cohort intake. Priority in the selection process is according to specific selection criteria.

Applicants will be selected according to:

• The strength of their application, particularly their personal and reference statements.
• Their commitment to ongoing service in Lutheran education and a willingness to consider further formal leadership opportunities in Lutheran education.
• Their demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning.
• A commitment to the Christian faith.

This timeframe allows strategic planning by potential participants in relation to time involvement for study and other aspects of life. It allows planning for funding by LEA, regions and schools/services to be budgeted on an annual cycle. It also ensures ongoing opportunities will be regularly available for new participants.

Under exceptional circumstances, you are able to request withdrawal or deferral from your studies. You should discuss your reasons for withdrawal or deferral with your mentor and other relevant support people such as your principal or regional manager. Depending on where in the course of study you withdrew from the program, you may be expected to repay financial contributions if withdrawal occurs after the census date. An official withdrawal or deferral application will be available on the LEA website after the cohort commences. This form contains important information on the conditions and requirements for withdrawal or deferral. Please read the Withdrawal or Deferral Application.

Read the information available under Leadership Development Program on the LEA website. Access the online application form (when available) and complete the required information as indicated.

LEA, regions and school/services will support participants through financial contributions to the costs of the study. Individual participants will be responsible for 25% of the course fees. Some school/services may elect to pay individual costs, however, this must be negotiated by the individual participant with their employer. Study fees will be billed by LEA prior to the beginning of each semester and payment of fees is a pre-requisite for enrolment. The actual cost varies from cohort to cohort, but individual contributions are likely to be $5,500-$6,000 across the two years of study.