Chris Kistan took leadership of our Schools Apprentice Programme in 2018. What started off as a conversation between three colleagues four years ago has now culminated in the ELA Group Education Offer. The ELA saw the need to bring high quality industry standard training to the workplace of committed passionate teachers and support staff.
Chris brings his passion and his diverse education expertise to the ELA Group.
Chris is passionate about empowering educators and improving the performance and productivity of organisations. He has a proven track record of leading schools in surpassing expectations and thriving in challenging circumstances.
Chris’ experience ranges from working as the Principal of private schools to working as a leadership consultant for local authorities and national third sector organisations.
Chris specialises in delivering coaching and mentoring solutions in the areas of Leadership Development, Safeguarding and Effective Special Education Needs Practices in schools. Chris’ leadership development programme is centred on his Passionate Authentic Leadership model that he developed whilst studying at the Institute of Education (IOE) and at Canterbury Christchurch University.
Chris has worked with Prof Kathryn Riley at the IOE on supporting schools in their understanding and delivery of “Schools as Places of Belonging” and developing an international kite mark for schools that are happy place.
He is currently developing courses that support schools in mental health first aid and supporting positive behaviour practices.
Chris still rates his leadership and teaching of a Nursery Class as one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of his career.
Chris’ aspiration for the ELA Group is to develop a unique high quality Special Education Needs Teacher's Apprenticeship Programme.