Download or read book Character and the Contemplative Principal written by Merylann J. Schuttloffel and published by . This book was released on 1999 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This monograph describes a process to transform the routine managerial aspects of the Catholic school principalship into a vibrant and prayerful ministry. It opens with a portrayal of a fictitious Catholic school principal, and the contemplative skills that are used as a method of reflective practice and leadership. The focus is on how to integrate educational-leadership practice with Catholic educational-leadership practice. The book summarizes key theoretical concepts related to contemplative practices. It discusses research that focuses on reflective practice and action research, and describes ways that preservice teachers can analyze their field experiences. The text also offers three levels of reflection to delineate the differences in behavior between educators who choose to act exclusively as technicians, and those who operate from a reflective framework. It elaborates six problem-solving frameworks to help Catholic educational leaders sort through the administrative problems they contend with, and to present the benefits of using multiple strategies for managing problems. It also explores the critical level of reflective practice by considering the substantive element overlooked in conventional reflective practice literature. The last chapter summarizes the importance of contemplative practice by positing a direct connection between the elements of character and the elements of leadership. (Contains 102 references.) (RJM)