Date of Graduation
5-2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Curriculum and Instruction
Advisor/Mentor
Pijanowski, John C.
Committee Member
Brady, Kevin P.
Second Committee Member
Lasater, Kara A.
Keywords
administrator; Arkansas; education; healthy educational leaders; human performance; principal; self care; self-care; sleep
Abstract
There is a potentially dangerous disassociation between human behavior, decision-making, and ethics and the notion that these fundamental aspects of what it means to be human originate simply as the functions of an organ. A deeper knowledge of the operation and limitations of the brain suggests biological input could possess the ability to unknowingly alter human behavior and effectiveness. This study utilizes a research-based understanding of the implications of human health and self-care habits on neurological, psychological, and behavioral function to examine the current practices of educational administrators across Arkansas while exploring systemic and job-based factors within the profession that could be competing with the establishment of good health. A mixed method design employing a statewide survey distributed in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Education asked principals and assistant principals questions intended to uncover the current reality of administrative self-care. Qualitative data designed to identify commonalities in personal experiences was collected through open-ended questions in the survey and focus groups specifically constructed to hear from participants with diametrically opposed self-reported habits. At the convergence of the data representing the state of self-care and the qualitative experiences from practitioners is the potential for education and change that could promote healthier, more effective educational leaders.
Citation
Ray, J. B. (2019). Crumbling Foundations: The Case for Prioritizing Self-Care Among Educational Leaders. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/3275
Included in
Educational Leadership Commons, Education Policy Commons, Health Communication Commons, Other Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
