| This research investigates an approach for elevating teacher self-esteem by integrating the psychology of self-esteem and organizational development techniques, which include leadership and motivational theories, and the theological concept of agape.; Phenomenological interviews with three experts in the area of theology, psychiatry, and organizational development were conducted as a foundational resource for the focus group of twelve teachers. Literature, observations, field notes, and the data from expert interviews and focus group discussions were triangulated in an effort to determine some approaches and recommendations that educational leaders could implement in elevating teacher self-esteem. The inclusion of agape, as a concept that influences leadership behavior, with some of the principles of organizational development, led to the Wayman-Brody Agape Esteem Empowerment Approach (AEE), as a recommendation for elevating teacher self-esteem. The recommendations also include a possible action plan based on the suggestions of the experts and the focus group involved in this study.; The study may offer educational leaders and the literature another viewpoint in elevating teacher self-esteem through organizational development and agape while simultaneously improving academic environments based on the fuller inclusion of teachers in the educational system.; The study also indicates a need for further research on the effects of the trickle-down effect of teacher self-esteem on students, the effects of unions, family needs, and school responsibility to those needs. The research may also be enriched by a more multi-racial focus group that may provide a wider range of responses to the discussion of elevated teacher self-esteem. When considering further study in the area of teacher self-esteem, the inclusion of principals and other educational leaders would be helpful. Finally, research that considers whether or not religion has value in schools and the effects of the absence of religion in schools is a significant consideration for future research. |
