Leader as Moral Architect in the Education Setting: Developing Moral Literacy Through Ethical Dilemma as Dramatic Rehearsal

• In Event: Preparing Administrators for Today’s Complex Leadership Roles

Abstract

The study reported examines the role of the education leader as moral architect, and the need to develop moral literacy. The study focused on a pedagogical approach, using self-authored ethical dilemma cases, to advance moral literacy in educational leaders. Dewey’s “dramatic rehearsal” is examined as lens in preparing ethical leaders for moral decision-making. The researcher used a two-tier case study design. Tier one examined moral literacy and ethical dilemma perspectives in relation to fostering moral leadership. Tier two examined the implications of participants’ experience in self-authoring ethical dilemma cases as dramatic rehearsal.

Author

• Patrick M. Jenlink, Stephen F. Austin State University