School leadership and spirituality
Book Description
Educational leaders face profound challenges that test not only their professional skills but their deepest values and beliefs. In this groundbreaking exploration, Dina V. Dalia examines how spirituality shapes the practice of school leadership in Ontario's educational landscape.
Through intimate interviews with ten school leaders from both public and Catholic districts, this study reveals a compelling truth: these educators draw strength, patience, and understanding from their spiritual nature as they navigate the complexities of their roles. The research uncovers how spirituality serves as more than personal comfort—it becomes an integral orientation that influences decision-making, relationships, and leadership philosophy.
Dalia's investigation exposes a striking contrast between educational environments. While public school systems often discourage discussions of spirituality and religious differences, Catholic institutions, despite having appropriate venues and language, lack sufficient programming and support in this crucial area. Yet across both systems, the leaders interviewed demonstrate how spiritual perspectives enhance their capacity to serve, trust, empower, and believe in others.
The findings challenge conventional leadership theories by positioning spirituality as a vital dimension worthy of academic attention. These school leaders articulate spirituality as central to their quest for meaning and purpose, using their spiritual foundation to explore life's deepest questions through their work with students, staff, and communities.
This research opens new pathways for understanding how spiritual awareness can transform educational leadership, offering insights that extend far beyond the classroom into broader questions of purpose-driven leadership.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 291 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Educational leadership
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Catholic Church
- ✓ Explore Education
- ✓ Explore Teaching
- ✓ Deepen your spiritual understanding
- ✓ Explore Religion in the public schools
- ✓ Explore Values
