Compassionate Leadership in Education

A Practical Guide for Current and Aspiring School Leaders
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-12133-6
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 140 Seiten, Format (B × H): 174 mm x 246 mm

At a time of unprecedented challenge in education, with a crisis in retention and staff wellbeing, the need for a new approach to school leadership could hardly be clearer. This book shows how compassionate practice can empower leaders to transform our schools into truly human organisations, creating cultures of connection and candour in which communities can thrive.

Drawing on the author’s 20 years’ experience as a senior school leader, this hands-on guide explores the real-life challenges of running a school and offers a fresh perspective on approaches to leadership tasks, emphasising collaboration and kindness. Written in an approachable and engaging style and informed by relevant research, Compassionate Leadership in Education synthesises evidence and experience, offering examples and encouragement in self-contained chapters that address the key components of leading with compassion.

From building motivated teams to handling the toughest situations, this guide for school leaders explores practical ways to develop the architecture of compassion within your school, leading with courage and kindness – and looking after yourself in the process.

Zielgruppe

Professional Practice & Development

Autoren/Hrsg.

Cresswell, Jan

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Schulen, Schulleitung Schulleitung, Schulentwicklung
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Schulen, Schulleitung Weiterführende Schulen
• Sozialwissenschaften Pädagogik Schulen, Schulleitung Grundschulen, Hauptschulen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Introduction to Compassionate Leadership

2. Establishing a Culture of Kindness

3. The Benefits of Active Listening

4. Measuring What Matters

5. Cultivating Resilience

6. Handling the Hard Stuff

7. Why Self-compassion is a Super-Power for School Leaders

Über Autor(innen)

Jan Cresswell is Founder and Director of Caritas Education Consultancy, which supports current and aspiring school leaders in achieving transformational leadership through compassionate practice. Formerly head of a high-performing independent secondary school, she has over twenty years’ senior leadership experience in schools.