Administration in the Moral Dimension: A Model for Superintendent Leadership That Connects, Supports, and Empowers Individuals in the Global Society

• In Event: 41.073 - Superintendent and School Boards: Roles, Relationships, and Relevance

Abstract

School superintendents have a critical role administering and providing equal educational opportunity to student populations, including refugees, immigrants, low socio-economic, cultures, languages, national backgrounds, and underserved. This literature review study examined leadership practices and decision-making processes of school superintendents and principals within the context of a democracy in the global society as a reflective ethical practice. The perspective is that leaders can transform school districts through reflection on their own leadership praxis. The resultant model applies ethical and social justice leadership theory and encourages leaders to self-reflect on their own values, leadership practice, and how their actions can create inclusivity by connecting, supporting and empowering individuals. Recommendations are made for empirical studies and further inquiry in other international contexts.

Authors

• Mary E. Gardiner, University of Idaho

• Penny L. Tenuto, University of Idaho