‘The best resource we have is each other’- relational practices of middle leaders as ethos leads in professional Learning Communities

This paper explores the experiences of middle leaders in publicly managed post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland involved in regional Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on the enactment of the ETBI Patrons' Framework on Ethos. This policy aims to support and guide publicly managed schools in embedding and sustaining a shared, inclusive, and values-based ethos grounded in the core values of the Education and Training Board (ETB) sector. Middle leaders (ethos leads) play a key role in implementing the Patrons’ Framework by leading its enactment in their schools and participating in regional PLCs with peers. For the purposes of this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 purposively selected ethos leads. Analysis of the data revealed two interrelated themes: middle leaders’ professional learning within PLCs, and the role of collaborative leadership and structures in supporting their work. These findings highlight the value of PLCs, and collaborative leadership in enhancing middle leaders’ professional growth, suggesting that structured, peer-supported environments are key to empowering their role in policy enactment, particularly in the area of values.