"I Just Went and Knocked on the Door": Culturally Responsive, Socially Just Leadership for Families

• In Event: 45.069 - Acknowledging the Emotional Work of Social Justice Leadership

Abstract

Principals’ beliefs and actions have powerful outcomes in the lives of the students, families, and communities they serve. We describe the beliefs and actions of a long-standing principal of a diverse urban school where the student body is: 90% Latinx, 65% English learners, and 87% eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. We explore the key practices cultivated during this leader’s tenure, focusing on family engagement and empowerment as he created a strong sense of community and confianza in the school and the community the school serves. We invite readers to consider these practices as they examine their own leadership stance as a culturally responsive, socially just leader who engages and empowers the families of their students.

Authors

• Kathleen Mary Cowin, Washington State University - Tri-Cities

• Sarah Newcomer, Washington State University - Tri-Cities