Johanna E. Schwarz

Johanna E. Schwarz is a university lecturer and academic leader at the University College of Teacher Education Lower Austria (PH NÖ), where she serves as Head of the Center for Leadership and Culture (Z5), Coordinator of Professional Development for School Leaders, Coordinator and Team Leader for School Development Consulting, Head of the University Course for School Development Consulting (HLG SEB), and Deputy Head of Department 6 (School Development). Her academic journey includes a doctorate from the University of Innsbruck (2016) focusing on 'Classroom Walkthrough - Leadership for Effective Learning' and a Master of Arts in Business 'Applied Knowledge Management' from the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland (2007).

Dr. Schwarz's professional qualifications include multiple certifications as a Systemic Consultant, in Learning Design, Coaching, and Systemic Process Facilitation. Before her academic career, she served as a secondary school headteacher (2002-2018) and secondary school teacher (1986-2002), providing her with extensive practical experience that informs her research and teaching.

Her research focuses on the intersection of school leadership, school development, and effective consulting practices, with particular expertise in Leadership for Learning frameworks, Classroom Walkthrough methodologies, and data-driven approaches to school improvement. Dr. Schwarz has published extensively on these topics in leading educational journals including R&E-SOURCE and #schuleverantworten, with her work emphasizing practical applications for educational leaders.

• Current research projects include 'Complementary consulting in school development consulting' (2023-2026)
• Recently completed 'External consulting as a support instrument for school development' (2018-2023)
• Ongoing work on onboarding processes for educational consultants

Dr. Schwarz actively contributes to national educational development through her membership in ARGE School Management, the DSU Expert Network for data-driven school development, the Federal ARGE School Development Consulting, and the Austrian Educational Research Association. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical implementation strategies, making significant contributions to educational leadership and school development practices in Austria.