Rural Teacher Leadership: A Layered Approach to Leading

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Contrasting Rural and Urban Teacher Leadership

Abstract

This is a summary of research conducted in fulfillment of the requirement for Doctor of Education at Washington State University. The qualitative case study examined rural high school teacher leaders at three Washington State rural high schools. Using research questions to guide the review of literature and as a framework for interview questions provided insight into the motivations for teachers teach in rural schools, take on leadership roles, perceptions of teacher leader characteristics and teacher leader roles. Through phenomenological interviews layers of leadership within the school emerged and exposed how rural teacher leaders add layers of expertise to formal leadership roles.

Author

• Jayna Ashlock-Huston, Spokane Public Schools