“Working to Improve the Job You’re In”: A Case Study of Catholic School Teacher-Assistant Principals

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Exploring Critical Issues in Catholic Education

Abstract

The study explained below represents the second stage of a larger inquiry into the roles and impact of teacher-assistant principals in urban Catholic elementary schools. Specifically, this investigation asks how individuals serving in a player-manager model of vice principal leadership might (1) serve teachers and principals; (2) mediate relationships and policies between these groups; and (3) become prepared for future advancement Catholic school administration. Drawing from concepts in activity and management theories, analysis of the data collected thus far indicates that these player-manager assistant principals represent a potentially unifying presence within Catholic schools. However, the extent to which this model of leadership prepares individuals for greater administrative charge seems to be limited by others’ perceptions of their instructional competencies.

Author

• John Luciano Beltramo, University of Southern California