What does it mean to lead as a Pasifika educator while remaining grounded in culture, community and the aspirations of Pacific learners?

The Australian Pasifika Educators Network (APEN) is delighted to welcome Leali’ie’e Dr Tufulasi Taleni as our special guest for Navigating Leadership as a Pasifika Educator.

This interactive online professional learning talanoa will explore leadership identity, professional growth and representation, alongside the opportunities and challenges Pasifika educators encounter when navigating educational systems. Drawing on Pacific knowledge, values and relational approaches, the session will create space for participants to reflect on their leadership practice, strengthen their professional confidence and consider how they can lead with cultural integrity while supporting Pacific learners and communities.

Meet our special guest

Leali’ie’e Dr Tufulasi Taleni is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Canterbury and author of Tautai – The Master Navigator. Drawing on extensive experience as a classroom teacher, Pacific education adviser, university leader and researcher, his work champions Pacific knowledge, values and relational approaches to leadership, teaching and learning.

What you will explore

Participants will:

Reflect on their leadership identities, values and aspirations.
Explore Pacific-grounded understandings of educational leadership.
Consider the opportunities and challenges Pasifika educators experience within educational systems.
Examine the importance of representation, relationships and cultural integrity.
Identify practical ways to strengthen their leadership practice.
Connect and learn alongside other Pasifika educators and educational leaders.

Who should attend?

This session welcomes:

Pasifika educators at all stages of their leadership journeys.
Teachers and aspiring school leaders.
School and system leaders.
University academics and professional staff.
Equity, engagement and student support practitioners.
Educators working alongside Pacific learners and communities.
Anyone interested in Pacific-grounded approaches to educational leadership.

Join us for an opportunity to reflect, connect and strengthen Pacific-grounded leadership across our educational communities.

Leadership grounded in culture, strengthened through relationships and guided by service.

Contact the host of Navigating Leadership as a Pasifika Educator