The importance of teacher leadership in religious studies : A qualitative study with focus on teacher leadership at upper secondary school in Sweden

Abstract: The study has investigated teacher leadership and its importance in the subject of religious studies at upper secondary school in Sweden. The study investigates how teachers handle and counteract conflicts and prejudices within the subject of religion and what challenges exist. A qualitative method has been applied in the thesis, this to interpret and analyze the results of the survey study. A social constructivist theory has been used as a theoretical framework. The study shows that teacher leadership is of great importance for the profession as well as the subject of religious studies. Leadership is adapted in relation to, among other things, student groups and teaching subjects. The teachers involved in the study believe that they have good leadership, despite the lack of leadership training within the framework of their teacher education. The results show that unmotivated pupils, prejudices and ignorance are key challenges in the subject of religious studies at upper secondary level in Sweden. According to the teachers, the challenges are met with an open approach as well as fact-based discussions to counter prejudice and oppression.