Work

“Holding the Helm in the Heart of the Storm”: Principals’ Metaphors During Wartime

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: School principals play a pivotal role during wartime crises, balancing educational continuity with policy interpretation and community needs. This study explores how principals articulated their role during the October 7th war crisis through metaphorical language. Based on 36 in-depth interviews with high school principals across Israel, content analysis revealed three themes: principals as anchors of stability (“lighthouse,” “supporting wall,” “home”); as protective mediators articulating and framing policy in humane, clear, and accessible terms (“bridge,” “interpreter,” “protective wall”); and as leaders navigating uncertainty (“storm,” “fog”). The findings highlight metaphors as interpretive resources for sense-making and for articulating emotional and relational dimensions of leadership, underscoring principals’ mediating role during emergencies.

Source: Journal of Research on Leadership Education

DOI: 10.1177/19427751261469860

Authors: David Gal, Chen Schechter, Pascale Benoliel

Institution: Bar-Ilan University

Language: English

Topic: Educational Leadership and Practices

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400