Ben Laybourn
Based in Wellington, Ben is an Education Consultant focusing on the following areas:
leading by learning and complex problem-solving
leadership and change
assessment for learning
data analysis and interpretation
strategic planning for long-term development and sustainability
effective pedagogy for accelerating learning
e-asTTle and standardised assessments
science
Ben, a former deputy principal and teacher, is passionate about implementing effective leadership by empowering senior and middle leaders to work as a team for greater impact. With a background in curriculum development, effective pedagogy and leading literacy in secondary schools, Ben prioritises effective teaching across all curriculum areas for every student. He emphasises how manaakitanga and whanaungatanga within the formative assessment framework enables enhanced learning outcomes.
Ben works predominantly in the leadership development area of the company. An expert in educational leadership and data analysis, Ben excels in interpreting and presenting data and evidence to guide students, teachers, and boards in planning for future learning and improvement in outcomes. He also brings extensive skills and knowledge regarding complex problem solving and the ability to lead by learning.
Holding a Master’s in Education (specialisation in leadership), Bachelor of Science and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Ben is a Ministry of Education-accredited facilitator and, a member of the New Zealand Association of Science Educators, and serves on the House of Science Board in Wairarapa. His passion for effective science teaching and engagement, comes to life with interactive and engaging science workshops.
Outside work, Ben enjoys life on his lifestyle block in Carterton with his wife and children, where he tends to gardens, an orchard, and spending time with his dog. He also loves adventuring in the hills, on the water, or simply enjoying the natural world.
Here is a blog post that Ben has written to share his thinking with the education sector:
In this blog, Ben unpacks how “theories of action” shape our problem-solving, often invisibly, and why embracing double-loop learning is key to sustainable school improvement. A must-read if you're ready to move from quick fixes to deep, lasting change.
In the blog, Ben discovers how middle leaders used deliberate conversations and evidence-based inquiry to transform student achievement in reading.
Quick fixes aren’t enough. Learn how Collaborative Complex Problem Solving helps schools tackle real challenges and achieve sustainable improvement.