Exploring Educational Leadership and the Creation of a Culture of Care for Post-primary Teachers in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

Post-primary teachers have been faced with numerous changes and reforms in recent decades. Research has shown that an ethic of care is important to support teachers’ well-being when teachers feel overworked, under-appreciated, stressed and their work-life balance is poor. This study aims to explore the experience of educational leadership and the culture of care for post-primary teachers in the Republic of Ireland. Based on a review of the literature on care, teachers and change, leadership and school culture, interviews were carried out with six post-primary school teachers. Analysis of the responses demonstrated that teachers need to be cared for and have positive relationships and proactive leadership with senior management in a school to face the challenges and reform that will continue to be part of teachers’ lives. The results indicate that relationship building is central to an ethic and culture of care. On this basis, it is recommended that teachers’ needs be identified and care meetings carried out to respond and support those in need. Further research is needed to identify established senior management’s perspective regarding teachers’ care needs.