Sustaining school based religious education leadership

Journal article

Buchanan, Michael T.. (2018). Sustaining school based religious education leadership. Discourse and Communication for Sustainable Education. 9(2), pp. 68 - 78. https://doi.org/10.2478/dcse-2018-0015
AuthorsBuchanan, Michael T.
Abstract

The number of people applying for school based religious education leadership positions is scarce in most regions throughout Australia as well as other geographical regions. Drawing on the insights from key stakeholders associated with religious education leadership in schools this qualitative study aimed to identify factors which militated against sustaining school based religious education leadership. This paper reports on the findings emanating from the study and proceeds to outline practical solutions that may contribute to attracting and sustaining future generations of religious education leaders. The key factors impacting on the sustainability of religious education leaders include feelings of disconnection, excessive demands associated with the role and a lack of structural support. Practical recommendations are outlined to contribute to sustaining school based religious education leadership. The recommendations include a review of teacher appraisal processes, equity in terms of industrial conditions and the inclusion of middle leadership positions that support the leader.

Keywordsreligious education; leadership; sustainability; disconnection; connection
Year2018
JournalDiscourse and Communication for Sustainable Education
Journal citation9 (2), pp. 68 - 78
PublisherInstitute of Sustainable Education
ISSN1691-6301
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.2478/dcse-2018-0015
Open accessOpen access
Page range68 - 78
Research GroupSchool of Education
Publisher's version
License
Place of publicationLatvia
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