The Heart of School Leadership: Supporting the Health & Well-being of Teachers in the Face of Occupational Pressures

This Dissertation-in-Practice (DiP) investigates the Problem of Practice (PoP) regarding the growing concern for teacher health and well-being within Prairie Land Catholic School (PLCS), a K-9 school in southern Alberta. Teachers at PLCS are facing increased demands, including implementing new curricula, addressing growing student complexities, and managing additional administrative duties, leading to feelings of fatigue, stress, and burnout. The persistent workload demands, compounded by limited resources and support, exacerbate feelings of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced self-efficacy. By imploring the Heart of Leadership, encompassing servant leadership, compassionate leadership, and transformative leadership principles, the intent is to analyze the interplay between organizational context, leadership practices, and internal and external factors to propose evidence-based solutions for enhancing teacher health and well-being at PLCS. Grounded in an interpretivist paradigm, the exploration of subjective experiences and perceptions of teachers acknowledges the significance of context and individual perspectives in cultivating positive working environments. Using the 4A change model, this DiP aims to identify effective strategies for organizational change to mitigate teacher burnout and promote health and well-being. Employing appreciative inquiry for monitoring and evaluation, this DiP seeks to identify inherent strengths within the school community, fostering a culture of support and resilience among teachers. A thorough investigation of the PoP will provide insights into the multifaceted challenges that teachers face and will offer tangible, actionable recommendations to cultivate supportive working environments and to guide leaders in supporting the health and well-being of the teachers they serve.