- We develop a practical publication of sustainable measures designed to positively impact teachers’ enthusiasm for the role of school leader.
- Objective:
- Help schools with career and succession policy for school leaders.
- Help schools discover and develop leadership potential and ambitions among staff members.
- Detailed toolbox with actions and good practices.
Contact
loth.vandenouweland@kdg.be
+32 3 502 27 94
- Research duration: 01 January 2022 - 31 December 2023
- Future-driven Education research centre
- Project partners:
- GO!
- Catholic Education Flanders
Both on an international scale and in Flanders, (primary) schools are finding it increasingly difficult to find candidates for the position of school leader. Teachers are uncertain about taking the step, doubting their capability and willingness to perform the duties of a school leader. At the same time, Flemish primary school education is facing a high rate of turnover and frequent absences among headteachers. Due to the limited interest when a school leader vacancy is announced, school boards often end up accepting a candidate who doesn’t entirely convince them. Furthermore, the process of recruiting new headteachers is often handled in a more ad hoc and unstructured manner. There is still a lack of a systematic career and succession policy that concentrates on the long-term discovery and development of leadership potential and ambitions among staff members, and on preparing for leadership succession.
The following research questions are hence fundamental to this study:
- How is interest in the job of headteacher manifested and how does it evolve among primary school teachers?
- What actions can schools undertake to positively influence interest for the job of headteacher among their teachers?
Methods
In collaboration with six primary schools (or school boards, school groups, or school communities), we devise a strategy customised for the school. Following the analysis of the starting situation, we identify the recommended strategy. We develop, implement and evaluate these actions and studies via (group) interviews and/or questionnaires to understand the impact of the actions, as well as to identify the crucial context, process, and product conditions.
The research will yield a practical publication containing a range of actions and good examples of practice of sustainable measures that can positively impact teachers’ interest in the headteacher role, complete with comprehensive tools for schools to utilise during these actions.
Researchers
Want to know more, collaborate or have a press enquiry?
You can collaborate with our research centre Future-driven Education on topics such as:
- Support for qualitative education starting from the (metropolitan) context.
- Expertise in sustainable education, school leadership, and diversity competences of school teams.
Contact us without obligation
Call +32 3 613 10 78
E-mail haydee.deloof@kdg.be