Karen Smith
Contact Karen
027 202 4211
karensmith@educationgroup.co.nz
About Karen
MProf Studs, BEd (Hons)
Karen's Core Competencies
Leadership & Governance
Appointments, board training, leadership development and school reviews.
Principal and Deputy Prinicpal Professional Learning Groups
Coaching
1-1 leadership coaching and team coaching, professional growth cycles and delivering GCI workshops.
Curriculum & Assessment
Literacy and mathematics, assessment for learning, and school teaching and learning programmes.
"Karen’s consultancy through The Education Group has been transformational for Rolleston College. Her depth of educational expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to work alongside leaders and teachers with clarity and respect has made a real and lasting impact. Karen doesn’t bring a one-size-fits-all solution — she listens, understands context, and supports meaningful change that strengthens both practice and outcomes across the school."
Rachel Skelton
Tumuaki/Principal Rolleston College
About Karen
Karen Smith joined our team as Director in January 2025. With nearly 30 years of leadership across North and South Island schools, Karen brings extensive expertise to The Education Group. She has worked in co-educational and girls’ schools and, for the last nine years, served as Tumuaki of Whangārei Boys’ High School.
Her recent tenure focused on achieving equitable outcomes for Māori and leading a complete school rebuild. Karen brings deep connections and the practical "know-how" of navigating leadership challenges to support both primary and secondary schools.
Karen is a Board Member of the R. Tucker Thompson and has been involved with the International Boys’ Schools Coalition, Association of Boys’ Schools NZ and as Chair of Te Mānihi Tumuaki (Northland Principals’ Association).
Karen's Work
Keen to work with Karen or one of our experienced facilitators?
Karen's Workshops
Become a high-quality mentor who empowers others through balanced guidance, improved conversational skills and coaching techniques.
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Step into or strengthen your middle leadership role with this practical two-day course which explores leadership approaches and develops a range of essential skills.
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Learn about Growth Coaching International’s proven ‘relationships to results’ methodology for coaching individuals and teams in education settings.
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Empowering school administration and front-office staff to strengthen customer service, communication, teamwork and wellbeing.
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This workshop equips leaders with practical, confidence-building strategies to handle difficult conversations constructively, manage under-performance and lead respectful, solutions-focused dialogue.
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Master evidence-based coaching skills through this immersive workshop that will transform how you lead conversations, build trust and drive student outcomes in educational settings.
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Gain practical, science-backed strategies you can apply immediately to boost student engagement, reduce cognitive overload and improve learner outcomes.
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Equips senior school leaders with the practical strategies, confidence, and insight needed to lead sustainable change, navigate resistance and build a culture of growth aligned with their school’s vision.
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Refine your coaching expertise by integrating proven Solutions Focus coaching methods that shift conversations from problems to progress and empower creative thinking.
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