Exploring the Praxis of Transformational Educational Leadership as Understood and Enacted by Black School Leaders

• In Event: 52.024 - Leadership Practices, Turnaround Schools, and School Reform

Abstract

The demands, complexities and workload of the 21st century senior school leader necessitates that individuals develop as adaptive, politically astute transformational leaders in support of social justice and equity. Through the use of a life history study and use of semi-structured interviews, focused on the experiences and leadership praxis of eight male leaders of African-Caribbean heritage in secondary schools in London, England, the research explores the notion of a race-conscious perspective and use of spiritual values and practice to the transformational educational leadership phenomena. It is hoped that the documented lived experiences and leadership practices of Black school leaders will provide researchers, policy makers and practitioners with a broader understanding and interpretation of transformational educational leadership, reflective of the full spectrum of cultural and social traditions and systems.

Author

• Phillip A Smith, Teachers College, Columbia University