Living Out the Mission: A Phenomenological Exploration of Catholic High School Leaders' Approaches to Mission Integration Through Catholic Social Teaching
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Authors
Pappas, Gianna
Issue Date
2025
Volume
Issue
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Catholic secondary education , Catholic Social Teaching (CST) , leadership practices , mission integration , qualitative research
Alternative Title
Abstract
This phenomenological qualitative study examined strategies that Catholic secondary school leaders use to integrate mission across curriculum design, professional development, and student co-curricular opportunities, exploring the role of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) in shaping this integration. The purpose of the study was to understand how leaders embed mission into school culture through practical approaches.
The scope centered on leaders’ experiences within diocesan coeducational secondary schools in Northern California. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seven school leaders, including two principals, three assistant principals, and two deans. Interview transcripts were analyzed using an iterative coding process, which yielded four emergent themes and eleven subthemes. Based on the findings, four practical recommendations are offered for strengthening mission integration, along with opportunities for future research. This study aims to contribute to the broader conversation on Catholic educational leadership by providing insights that may inform future practice, leader and teacher formation, and continued research.
Description
2025
Citation
Publisher
Creighton University
License
Copyright is retained by the Author.
A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.