Can Pedagogical Considerations Overcome Political Constraints? Principals’ Perceptions of Leading in a Divided Community

Abstract

The current study focuses on the implications that followed the construction of a Wall separating East and West Jerusalem for Arab school leaders leading schools located in East Jerusalem. Specifically, it focuses on the following question: can pedagogical considerations overcome political constraints? The study is based on an analysis of nineteen in-depth interviews conducted with thirteen male and six female public school principals leading East Jerusalem schools. Interviews reveal that the daily reality of East Jerusalem school leaders is made of constraints and opposing demands, forcing them to constantly struggle with immense role conflicts. Three main themes reflect the implications which followed the construction of the Wall for pedagogical and managerial considerations and conduct: restricted control, deception, and the national identity enigma. The dependency-separation blend characterizing the daily reality of Arab school leaders in East Jerusalem creates forces that are beyond their control and influence. It appears that school leaders’ abilities to survive these limitations and obstacles mainly depends on their political skills and capabilities to maneuver among conflicting demands. Pedagogical knowledge and professional considerations come second.