Leadership for Lasting Impact: The PRAE Framework for Values Alignment and Educator Empowerment

Abstract

Educational  leaders,  whether  formally  designated  through  organizational  hierarchies  or informally  recognized  through  peer  influence,  have  the  unique  opportunity  to  enhance  the cognitive  and  emotional  well-being  of  their  communities  by  focusing  on  values  alignment. Professional  Reciprocal  Altruism  in  Education (PRAE) is  a  grounded  theory  offering educational  leaders  a  practical  and  compelling  framework  for  integrating  values  alignment into the professional practices of the faculty they serve. This framework empowers educators across  all  levels  and  specialties  to  cultivate  a  supportive,  inclusive  community  that  values individuals holistically. By leveraging altruism—the predominant motivator for entering the teaching  profession—as  a  shared  value,  PRAE  fosters authentic  engagement  within  the Community  of  Practice (CoP)  among  educators.  Guiding  faculty  and  related  educational professionals through the process of aligning personal values, attitudes, and cultural constructs with  those  of  the  CoP enables  the  integration  of  the  authentic  self  with  the  professional identity.  This  alignment,  in  turn,  strengthens  intrinsic  motivation  and  supports  ongoing personal and professional growth, benefiting students, communities, the teaching profession, and the educators themselves.