Talent Spotters or Gatekeepers? Principal Identification and Nurturing of Future School Leaders in Three Global Cities

• In Event: Cultivating New Leadership

Abstract

This paper draws on findings from a three-year study examining the leadership experiences, practices and aspirations of Generation X (under-40-year-old) school leaders in three Global Cities – London, New York and Toronto. Building on current interest in teacher/leader talent spotting, this paper provides evidence on how members of this new generation approach identifying and nurturing future school leaders. The paper uses data from 12 focus groups and 80 interviews across cities. Most participating leaders were encouraged by their own school leaders early in their careers, and nearly all are committed to finding and developing leaders in their own schools. The findings are discussed in light of current policy and practice with recommendations to support the diversification of the future leadership pipelines.

Authors

• Kathleen Trong Drucker, NYC Leadership Academy

• Donalda Turner Chumney, NYC Department of Education

• Karen E. Edge, UCL Institute of Education

• Katherine Descours