Recent move to recognise importance of middle leaders as leaders of learning; Current crisis in attracting people from middle leadership into higher leadership roles (Harris, 2007); Professional learning for middle leaders tends to assume upward movement rather than staying in the role Being a leader of learner requires a particular skillset to ensure professional conversations with colleagues are empowering, respectful and not controlling.Recent move to recognise importance of middle leaders as leaders of learning; Current crisis in attracting people from middle leadership into higher leadership roles (Harris, 2007); Professional learning for middle leaders tends to assume upward movement rather than staying in the role Being a leader of learner requires a particular skillset to ensure professional conversations with colleagues are empowering, respectful and not controlling.