Date of Award

Spring 3-19-2018

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Executive Ed.D. in Education Leadership Management and Policy

Department

Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Advisor

Elaine M. Walker, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Cherry Sprague Ed.D.

Keywords

Catholic School Merger, Mergers, Teachers and Mergers, Consolidation, Teachers and Change, Leadership and Educational Change, Communication and Change

Abstract

This single, qualitative case study seeks to evaluate how teachers experience changes associated with the merger of two Catholic schools. Using the multiple perspective approach to case studies, this study explores the experiences of middle school teachers and the school leaders involved in establishing a merged K–12 Catholic School. Thirteen semi-structured, personal interviews were conducted, and relevant school documents were reviewed. The results from this study support previous literature on leading through change. The findings show that teachers experience various emotions while transitioning in a merger. Additionally, the analysis reveals that how communication is handled directly affects teacher morale. The participants recommend that school leaders be more inclusive of teachers in decision-making and provide sufficient opportunities for collegial interactions, allowing teachers to collaborate on policies and procedures that unify both schools.

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