Characteristics of a Josephite approach to education evident in the leadership practices of principals and their leadership teams
Publication Details
Mead, C.,
Lavery, S.,
&
Chambers, D.
(2024).
Characteristics of a Josephite approach to education evident in the leadership practices of principals and their leadership teams.
British Journal of Religious Education,.
Abstract
Considering the ageing and decreasing numbers in teaching religious orders, it is necessary for lay people to continue their mission within order-based Catholic schools. This study explores in what ways the characteristics of a Josephite approach to education were evident in the leadership practices of principals and their leadership teams in six Australian schools in the Josephite tradition. Literature is initially reviewed regarding three types of leadership models used by principals and their leadership teams –transactional, transformational and transcendental. The research design is then explained, including the epistemology of constructivism, the research participants, data collection and data analysis. Results are presented under four themes: coherency between mission tradition and practice; educational excellence and rig our; serving families and forming community; and the relevance of Josephite principles in 21st Century education. This research is significant as it examines the situation that a vast majority of teaching religious orders are experiencing and identifies ways to strengthen the principal and leadership team’s awareness of the tradition espoused by the order. The study also has wider relevance as other teaching religious orders transition to a lay leadership within schools.
Keywords
Word, Josephite approach to education, principals, leadership
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