Page 12 - Educational Leadership in a Changing World

Marta Ambite et al.

dimensions of both teaching and learning. As such, the chapter empha-
sizes three key elements: (1) the essential role of the emotional dimen-
sion in the educational relationship, (2) the necessity of inclusive and
culturally responsive leadership, and (3) fundamental qualities that any
leader should have today for fostering meaningful and transformative
learning environments.
The first part examines the role of emotionality in education. To what
extent does the emotional dimension of educational leadership influ-
ence student engagement and academic success? The ability to care is
not merely an additional trait of educators but a core responsibility
that directly impacts students’ academic achievement and overall well-
being. In this part, we delve into how care pedagogies serve as a foun-
dation for creating supportive learning environments that foster trust,
motivation, and resilience. Adopting Noddings’ perspective, care is a
multidimensional concept that encompasses physical, emotional, and
psychological support. Particularly, care ethics, as an approach to ed-
ucational leadership, emphasize relational interdependence and moral
responsibility, advocating for pedagogical strategies that prioritize stu-
dent engagement, inclusivity, and the emotional well-being of both
students and teachers. Implementing care-centred approaches within
schools has been shown to not only improve academic outcomes but
also to contribute to the emotional and psychological sustainability of
educational institutions. This necessitates systemic changes that in-
clude teacher support structures, professional development opportu-
nities, and leadership models that mitigate burnout and promote long-
term professional fulfilment. By fostering organizational environments
that value emotional engagement, educators can create learning spaces
that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally nurturing.
Beyond emotional engagement, educational leadership must also ad-
dress the challenges of diversity, inclusion, and social justice, character-
istic of our times. In contemporary educational settings, ensuring eq-
uitable access to learning opportunities requires a transformation in
leadership practices. Drawing upon research on culturally responsive
pedagogy, the second part emphasizes the ways in which educational
leaders can implement strategies that acknowledge and celebrate cul-
tural diversity. Specifically, the notion of culturally responsive school
leadership (crsl) is explored in-depth, emphasizing the need for lead-
ers to cultivate critical self-awareness, develop inclusive curricula, and
foster school environments that actively support minoritized students.

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