Navigating Tradition and Transformation: Leadership Challenges of Catholic School Principals

• In Event: The Culture and Community With Catholic Schools

Abstract

Catholic school principals face a myriad of challenges: balancing faith leadership with academic excellence, navigating diverse stakeholder expectations, and financial constraints while addressing changing demographics and inequity. This mixed-methods study unveils the complex realities principals encounter daily. The findings reveal a stark picture of diminished morale and resource scarcity, highlighting an urgent need for support. The study explores an innovative solution: university partnerships offering coaching and resources. This research not only illuminates the multifaceted demands on Catholic school leadership but also charts a path forward. By proposing structured university-Catholic school collaborations, the study offers a blueprint for enhancing leadership capacity and fostering inclusive educational environments. This study provides critical insights for revitalizing Catholic education in an era of unprecedented change.

Author

• Donna Kiel, DePaul University