Supporting learners learning for leadership in religious education

There are a variety of ways in which educational leaders and aspiring leaders in religious education may be supported in their own learning for leadership. In recent times much attention has been devoted to school leadership preparation in a variety of contexts. A range of systemic approaches to supporting educational leadership preparation and development has involved linking certain types of preparation to career structures. A growing trend occurring in many education systems links the attainment of a higher education degree to the career structure for leaders and aspiring leaders. This paper reports on the preliminary findings of a short term research project which sought to identify how those enrolled in tertiary studies might be supported in their learning for leadership in religious education. The participants in the study were leaders and aspiring leaders in primary and secondary schools enrolled in a Masters in Religious Education course. From the perspective of the participants the preliminary findings suggested that they can be supported in their studies through opportunities for mentoring, leadership development and networking. The findings are significant in that they provide insights from participants who have the potential to assist curriculum design reform and the delivery of such programs. Ultimately such reforms should be oriented towards meeting the perceived needs of lifelong learners and make opportunities for continuing education even more relevant for leaders and aspiring leaders particularly in religious education.