Abstract:
This paper is a report of cross institutional research between educators from the Australian Catholic University and a Sydney Catholic Education Office who investigated the movement of primary school Religious Education Coordinators (RECs) from the period of 2001 - 2005. The research explores the reasons for people leaving this middle management position after only approximately two years of service in the role.
Key findings are presented which identifies what RECs found rewarding and stimulating in their role, plus the issues they struggled with. Strategies to support current and future RECs in their implementation of the role are noted which may assist in attracting and retaining RECs in this middle management position.
It is envisaged that other school sectors, particularly in the primary domain, may also be experiencing difficulties in attracting and maintaining people in the REC role or roles that may be similar in middle management leadership. Therefore recommendations found within this paper may provide stimulus for school communities to critique their own practices in order to stem the flow of attrition.
Key findings are presented which identifies what RECs found rewarding and stimulating in their role, plus the issues they struggled with. Strategies to support current and future RECs in their implementation of the role are noted which may assist in attracting and retaining RECs in this middle management position.
It is envisaged that other school sectors, particularly in the primary domain, may also be experiencing difficulties in attracting and maintaining people in the REC role or roles that may be similar in middle management leadership. Therefore recommendations found within this paper may provide stimulus for school communities to critique their own practices in order to stem the flow of attrition.