If Australia's teacher shortage has made one thing clear, it’s that schools that grow their own leaders are better placed to weather the storm.
While many systems scramble to fill vacancies, some are taking a longer view, investing early in staff who show promise and giving them a viable path to leadership.
Australian Christian College Marsden Park is one such example, with its Teacher Trainee Program now delivering tangible results.
Two educators who came through the pathway, David Ramsay and Leighton Corr, have just been appointed Deputy Principals at ACC Marsden Park – proof that investing in emerging talent pays dividends when done properly and with intent.
Learning leadership through shared experience
Corr, a current participant in the Christian Education Ministries' (CEM) leadership development pathway, will oversee the on-campus educational experience, supporting students, staff and families across the school community.
With a solid leadership record already behind him, Corr said he wasn't chasing a formal program until CEM came calling.
“There are lots of programs out there about leadership and growth for Executive Leaders. What was different with the CEM Principal Trainee Program is that it was actually not one I signed up for, but invited to,” Corr told The Educator. “CEM has a strong commitment for wanting to identify and grow leaders.”
Corr said that from his experience, CEM identify and engage with leaders who they think will benefit and grow from the program and create group of leaders who work through the program together.
“This network has been very helpful to be a part of,” he said, adding that the program is also very much designed around aspects of school leadership relevant to senior leaders and Principals.
“In that regard it is quite bespoke and has centered around aspects of school leadership that is not always covered in other courses or programs,” he said. “An example of this was spending time looking at the governance and business side of the company and schools.”
Corr said the Trainee Principal Program has seen its members spend a lot of time workshopping through different issues and problems that they have faced.
“Hearing other perspectives in a forum like this has helped me think through personally to respond appropriately when I actually do face situations in a real school setting,” he said. “It is also good to know that you are not alone when these situations arise.”
Corr said all the members have brought with them scenarios and experiences that he has been able to learn from.
“Much of the program has reinforced the importance of character and maintaining a level of integrity in how you respond to situations, even when things go sideways,” he said. “Having the trust and respect of the people you lead is another key take away for me that the program has highlighted.”
Corr said the Trainee Principal program has not really had any specific rough patches, other than “long days with lots of depth and so much to try and take on board.”
“But it is clear that all leaders seem to face unique and challenging circumstances as they serve in school leadership,” he said.
“For me, I have found it reassuring that there is support and structures through this program and other networks that I know I can rely on even when facing difficult leadership scenarios.”
The real blueprint for growing leaders
Ramsay is a graduate of CEM's Teacher Trainee Program and has progressed through a range of leadership positions during his career, most recently serving as Principal of ACC Southlands. In his new role, he will help lead the continued growth and expansion of ACC Marsden Park's Distance Education program.
Stepping from a Trainee Principal role into the Deputy Principal's office might look like a step down on paper, but Ramsay said that to him, leadership "isn't about titles or climbing a ladder".
"It’s about where I can learn, serve, and contribute most effectively," Ramsay told The Educator, adding that he has admired Corr and the "incredible work" happening at ACC Marsden Park for a long time.
"I believe there’s still so much for me to learn, and the opportunity to work alongside Brendan and his team in a new context was something I couldn't pass up. At the same time, I trust I can offer my own skills and experience to support Marsden Park as it continues to grow."
When asked what he thinks are the most important building blocks of a quality leadership development program in 2026, Ramsay said the most effective programs "anchor learning in real, everyday school life, pairing practical application with a strong curriculum."
"At Christian Education Ministries (CEM), we see this in action through our Teacher Training School and Trainee Principal Programs," he said. "Rather than learning in isolation, the participant steps in as a true apprentice, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with an experienced professional within the school context."
Ramsay said that side-by-side journey allows them to wrestle with real situations while engaging with quality curriculum.
"That balance of practical experience and real-time mentorship is where genuine growth happens."
Asked what he'd tell another school system looking to build something similar from the ground up, Ramsay said the starting point isn't the program design but the people involved, from senior leaders backing the vision to mentors willing to open their doors.
"It really comes down to the people. You can design the best theoretical program on paper, but without the right people, you just aren't going to have the impact you'd hope for," he said.
"CEM’s success comes from a genuine commitment at every level, from corporate leaders supporting the vision, to school leaders who open their doors to mentor, to carefully selecting participants who are eager to grow."
Ramsay said if another system asked for advice, he'd tell them to focus first on getting the right people in place.
"A program only transforms lives when the people running it genuinely care about investing in others."