School leadership that leads to a climate of care

ABSTRACT

This article presents findings from a case study that examined the educational leadership practices that successfully established a climate of care at school. Semi-structured in-depth interviews, observation, shadowing, focus groups and document analysis were used to collect data from the principal and school staff. Findings show that the personal beliefs of the principal in regard to care, and her perception that creating ‘a climate of care’ is an integral part of her managerial role, are expressed in the school’s vision. This vision is translated into action, and school objectives are assimilated using a number of key practices.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. This is a fictitious name for the school that was researched.

2. The concept of ‘homeroom teacher’ in Israel has expanded and includes, for example, social discussions. In Hebrew, they are literally called ‘educators’.

3. School principal, interview no. 1.

4. Authentic care that comes truly from the heart, to help, enabling him or her to grow, develop and flourish.

5. In this case, ‘round robin’ indicates a group technique in which each member of the group is given an opportunity to express him or herself on an issue. The direct translation from Hebrew is: ‘How are you doing?’ circle. Each person is asked how he or she is feeling or something similar, and given the opportunity to say something about themselves.

6. This is a word and concept from Yiddish used in Hebrew, which means to express compliments toward the other, that is, to be positive about the other person’s success.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hanna Kurland

Hanna Kurland received her PhD from the University of Haifa in Israel. Currently she is Head of the Program for Educational Leadership and a lecturer in the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the Oranim Academic College of Education. Her current research interests include: Leadership, School vision, School effectiveness, Educational evaluation, and Organizational learning.