Preparing Leaders for Strategic Sustainable Development : A Case Study of the Teach for Austria Leadership Education

Abstract: There is an urgent need to have leaders who are able to strategically transition society towards sustainability. Evidence shows that challenges are mounting up and become increasingly complex. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to educate leaders to become competent to lead within the sustainability challenge we are facing. This thesis explores how leadership education can prepare teachers to become leaders to enable Strategic Sustainable Development (SSD). Based on interviews with ESD experts, the research team identified eight key competencies for leaders to enable Strategic Sustainable Development and eight pedagogical approaches to train such competencies. In addition to that, the research team analyzed how the case study organization Teach for Austria (TFA) integrates the identified key competencies and pedagogical approaches. Recommendations are provided indicating TFA’s opportunities regarding a more thorough integration of the key competencies and pedagogical approaches into their leadership education. These recommendations were then made relevant to the broader leadership education context to prepare teachers to lead. The main outcomes of this thesis intend to serve as a guidance to enable leadership the world needs.