Exploring the Impact of an Antiracist Leadership Preparation Program on the Social Justice Values, Beliefs, and Practices of Its Graduates

• In Event: Creating Socially Just Learning Environments Through Educational Leadership Programs

Abstract

Graduate students enrolled in a principal preparation program and employed in various campus and district-level educational leadership positions were interviewed about their experiences in the early stages of their careers. Participants were asked to reflect on how the preparation program may have influenced their values and beliefs. Of particular interest to the researchers was the students’ awareness and action around issues of race in their work setting. Findings showed that participants had a heightened level racial awareness in their work settings. Participants experienced resistance to their social justice efforts which we analyzed using a micropolitical framework. Implications for improving the preparation, support, and praxis of early-career, anti-racist educational leaders for social justice are discussed.

Authors

• Dottie L. Hall, The University of Texas - Austin

• Mark A. Gooden, The University of Texas - Austin

• Bradley W. Davis, The University of Texas at Arlington

• Daniel D. Spikes, Iowa State University

• Leslie A. Coward, The University of Texas