The past few years have been a challenging time for schools in Australia and around the world. Schools have adapted to the impacts of COVID-19; some have also dealt with natural disasters like floods and bushfires. For school principals – no matter their level of experience – new research shows leading during crises like these has taught them many lessons and led to a transformation of perspectives.

In this episode of The Research Files we're joined by Michelle Striepe from Edith Cowan University. She’s the lead author of a new paper titled ‘Lessons from Australasian principals’ experiences with crises: adapting, learning and transforming’. Her research was carried out with colleagues Christine Cunningham, Mohini Devi, David Gurr, Fiona Longmuir, Sylvia Robertson, Adam Taylor and Pauline Thompson, and in our conversation today, Michelle takes us through their findings and, of course, some important implications for school leaders.

Host: Dominique Russell

Guest: Michalle Striepe