Disrupting Education | Leadership Series Longworth Education

Disrupting Education: A New Era of Brave Leadership

A leadership mentoring series for progressive school leaders, designed to restore clarity, confidence, and courage in complex times.

Lead with purpose. Lead with clarity. Lead with others who get it.

Educational leaders across Aotearoa are navigating increasing demands—from shifting policies and mandates to rising community expectations—all while trying to uphold what matters most for learners and staff.

This program is your opportunity to pause, reflect, and lead with intention—not reaction.

Disrupting Education is more than professional development. It’s a mentorship and leadership community that fosters clarity, critical reflection, and connected practice—led by Dr Sarah Aiono, one of Aotearoa’s most trusted voices in evidence-informed leadership.

This is for you if you are:

A principal, deputy principal, or aspiring school leader

Facing the weight of system change and constant demands

Seeking space to think critically and act purposefully

Wanting to sustain your leadership without losing your way

Ready to disrupt default thinking—for yourself and your kura

What you'll gain:

Clarity in complexity
Navigate shifting mandates without losing sight of what works best for your learners.

A trusted peer network
Join a professional community of courageous, values-led leaders across Aotearoa.

Evidence-informed strategies
Apply practical, research-based approaches that respect the realities of school life.

Space for reflective practice
Engage in deep, meaningful conversations that replenish rather than drain.

Mentorship that honours your experience
Be guided—not dictated—by Dr Sarah Aiono and fellow practitioners walking the same path.

What previous participants say:

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Matthew Turner

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

Sarah Evans

“Testimonial text here from a real customer. Make it authentic and relevant to your audience"

“Being part of the Disrupting Leadership kaupapa provides so much joy in a time in education where this can feel in very short supply. It is challenging and thought-provoking, and demands that you critically examine the beliefs you hold about the purpose of schools and the role of education in Aotearoa. Sarah leads the group with wisdom and grace and has created a space of connection and empowerment, which benefits everyone involved."

Trish Cullen

Deputy Principal, Balmoral School

“Being part of the Disrupting Education Leadership group has been transformational for my leadership. The series challenged my thinking, connected me with innovative leaders from across the motu, and equipped me with the tools and confidence to continue leading meaningful, future-focused change in my school. It has been one of the most impactful professional learning experiences I’ve taken part in. I’m excited to see even more leaders join the movement and help reshape the future of education."

Gareth Cunliffe

Tumuaki, Ōtonga Road School

“If you have a fear of missing out, this is one Leadership Programme that you need to be part of! Surrounded by like-minded professionals, and facilitated to think deeply about leadership demands, Dr Sarah Aiono orchestrates challenging, but needed discussions to steady your leadership journey and get to the core of your own purpose. In a time when education is being uprooted, the Disruptive Education Leadership programme allows you to reaffirm, reconnect and resist in a high functioning, collaborative, and accountable professional community."

Jo Graham

Deputy Principal, Lyall Bay School

"Our Disrupting Leadership forum is the most affirming and stretching professional learning community I have ever been part of, guided by the exceptional Dr Sarah Aiono. Being part of this learning network gives me genuine hope for the future of our sector and replenishes the personal and professional energy I need, to keep leading strongly, even in the face of the challenges shaping today’s educational landscape"

Jo Hodgson

Deputy Principal, Northcote Primary School

“Over the past two years in the Disrupting Leadership Series, our collective journey has been shaped first by the book ‘Wayfinding Leadership’, which grounded us in understanding where we are, why we lead, and how we grow with purpose, particularly in Aotearoa. This year, Dr Sarah Aiono has extended and challenged our thinking through global research, rich discussion, and critical reflection, enabling us to deepen our practice and reconnect with what truly matters for our own kura. Together, this inspiring group has modelled the power of shared inquiry, courageous conversation, and learning that disrupts us—in the very best ways."

Melanie Dean

Tumuaki, Lyall Bay School

“Disrupting Education' has been incredibly supportive as we all navigate the uncertainties and challenges of this time. Sarah encourages deep reflection of courageous leadership and our group discussions are rich, empowering and full of shared connections. It's an incredibly unique opportunity to connect with like-minded, passionate and brave leaders. Every session fills you with hope."

Lyndsey Whettingsteel

Team Leader, Golden Sands School

"Being part of the Disrupting Leadership Series with Dr Sarah Aiono has been both affirming and transformative — a space that stretches my thinking and reconnects me to the true purpose of educational leadership in Aotearoa. This journey has deepened my understanding of my responsibility to ensure the education and wellbeing of our tamariki remain at the forefront of every decision I make, even when that means challenging the norm."

James White

Tumuaki, Whakamaru School

Program At A Glance (2026)

8 x Online Mentoring Sessions – 2 hours per session, across the year
3 x In-Person Half-Day Hui – Across central locations in Te Ika-a-Māui and Te Waipounamu
Blended, flexible design – Structured to support your busy leadership schedule
Led by: Dr Sarah Aiono, EdD – Coach, speaker, and thought leader in educational leadership

Learn more or get in touch

Want to know if this is the right next step for your leadership journey? Keen to talk through how this fits with your 2026 priorities?

Email Sarah directly at sarah@longwortheducation.co.nz

Or use our contact form below to arrange a kōrero. We'd love for you to be a part of this amazing kaupapa.

Download a 2026 Program Summary pdf

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Longworth Education Ltd
A social enterprise supporting evidence-based teaching practice
New Zealand, Australia, Canada, India and Nigeria.
info@longwortheducation.co.nz
+64 22 417 1449

Disrupting Education: A New Era of Brave Leadership

Lead with purpose. Lead with clarity. Lead with others who get it.

This is for you if you are:

What you'll gain:

What previous participants say:

Matthew Turner

Sarah Evans

Trish Cullen

Gareth Cunliffe

Jo Graham

Jo Hodgson

Melanie Dean

Lyndsey Whettingsteel

James White

Program At A Glance (2026)

Learn more or get in touch

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