What is involved

People from the education and private sector that are interested in joining the program complete a registration form and detail their interests, challenges and goals. A business member and eductor from a primary or secondary school are then matched according to their personal and professional profiles. There are two strands of the program:

• Principals and Chief Executive Officers are partnered
• Senior teachers and executives are partnered.

The partners in learning agree to meet at the school/office a minimum of eight times during one year (two times each term) for about two hours each time The format for the meetings is quite open with a number of objectives that are ideally met:

• Promote the sharing of expertise
• Develop management and leadership skills
• Enhance listening and feedback skills
• Explore solutions to challenges in a supportive and non-judgmental environment
• Expand personal skills.

Benefits to business participants

'It's been good to get a broader perspective ... made me feel more strongly that this country could get so much out of more investment in education.' Partner

• Develop a greater understanding of issues facing schools and the education system
• Understand how business can help to support a positive change
• Discover tangible benefits that flow through to students, teachers and the broader community
• Broaden perspective on life
• Make a difference and give back to the community
• Contribute at a practical level
• Have a greater awareness of diversity
• Increase self awareness and empathy for others
• Learn new management techniques for dealing with conflict
• Expand understanding of leadership challenges and strategic development in a different context and a different level of priorities and outcomes
• Personal reward, satisfaction and growth.

Benefits to educators

'… one of the most valuable experiences I have had in 20 years as an educator.' Deputy Principal

• Find new ways of approaching old problems
• Develop networks with other industry professionals
• Share experience and learnings
• Expand understanding of corporate sector to benefit school leavers
• Promote greater understanding between business and schools
• Explore benefits and opportunities for staff and students through business engagement.

The professional and personal development of the participants and the synergy of their collaboration will ultimately, it is hoped, improve standards in the community, local education and business alike.

More information

Read about the program's success.

Register to find out more about Partners in Learning.

Partners in Learning was inspired by, and evolved from, a very successful mentoring program in the United Kingdom called Partners in Leadership (by Business in the Community (BITC)).