Leading in the middle : towards thriving middle leadership in BC independent schools
Subject
Arts-based research
found poetry
independent schools
leadership development
middle leadership
photo elicitation
found poetry
independent schools
leadership development
middle leadership
photo elicitation
Abstract
This action research inquiry, undertaken in partnership with the Independent Schools Association
of British Columbia (ISABC), was guided by the question: How might the ISABC’s Team
Leadership Program support the leadership development and thriving of emerging and middle
leaders throughout and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic? Data were collected with a survey and
two focus groups involving 52 participants from 16 independent schools. Arts-based approaches
included photo elicitation and found poetry. Key findings indicated the pandemic has magnified
the human side of educational leadership and thriving as being a middle leader requires
communication, relationship building, and the prioritization of followers’ needs.
Recommendations addressed strategies to (a) develop self-awareness, coaching, and
interpersonal skills amongst emerging leaders; (b) capitalize on existing leadership networks to
foster a stronger sense of belonging within the ISABC; and (c) offer leadership-focused
professional development and resources accessible to the broader ISABC community.
Keywords: arts-based research, found poetry, K–12, independent schools, leadership
development, middle leaders, photo elicitation, thriving at work