The experiences of school principals of teachers living with HIV

Abstract

Since the discovery of HIV in the late 1980s, the pandemic has become the leading cause of death in South Africa. The present study was designed to explore the experiences of how school principals deal with HIV/AIDS-related issues affecting teachers in schools. Empirically, a narrative inquiry as design type, nested in social constructivism, was used, together with narrative interviews to elicit qualitative data. Theoretically, the inquiry was framed by transformational leadership and an ethics of care. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis, specifically descriptive, process and emotion codes, to theme the data. Key findings speak to inadequate leadership training for the sensitive educational landscape in South African schools, as well as lack of training and management skills to develop long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on teaching and learning.