Dr Chris Dolan

Chris Dolan works as a researcher and teacher in UniSA Education Futures, University of South Australia. He completed his doctoral thesis, titled 'Paradox at work - a political struggle for the soul of the principal', in 2018. The thesis used a critical policy sociology approach, bringing together the macro-level influences of neoliberal policy and the micro-level policy work of principals in schools. This design worked from data collected in ethnographic fieldwork and the analytical possibilities in a body of theory inspired by Michel Foucault.  

Prior to his university work, Chris was a teacher, school leader, principal and regional leader over a 40 year career with the South Australian Education Department. With an ongoing interest in school leadership and a broad professional network, he moved into consultancy work from 2013-2016 with an emphasis on improving curriculum and instructional leadership by providing professional learning for leaders and supporting a range of regional and whole-of-school processes and strategies. 

As a Research Fellow at University of South Australia in 2019-2020, Chris undertook a joint research project with the SA Primary Principals Association (SAPPA) and SA Secondary Principals Association (SASPA) which focussed on a range of tensions faced by school leaders in the current policy environment. This work is ongoing with both associations currently exploring how it connects with the professional learning they provide for leaders in schools.

Chris' current research interests continie to be focussed on school leadership, but also include ongoing work on literacy improvement, digital enagement of parents, teachers and students, social justice leadership and increasing engagement, retention and achievement amongst disadvantaged student cohorts.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy University of South Australia