"You Guys Are Bilingual Aren't You?" Latinx Educational Leadership Pathways in the New Latinx Diaspora

• In Event: 21.061 - MTCC Roundtable Session Five
  In Roundtable Session: 21.061-8 - Exploring Language and Bilingualism for Latinxs

Abstract

Existing research suggests Latinx educational leaders positively impact Latinx student outcomes and home-school relationships. Much of this research has been conducted in traditional Latinx immigrant destinations. We know little about Latinx leadership in regions where Latinx communities are smaller, yet growing quickly such as the New Latinx Diaspora. This study analyzed interviews with five Latinx administrators in the Pacific Northwest. Participants’ counter-stories revealed three key findings: their bilingualism was an asset and liability in their early careers, they demonstrated persistence facing racism and sexism, and they often experienced isolation as leaders of color. Findings suggest a need for critically race conscious, equity-focused preparation programs, which can support leaders of color to be prepared to face systemic oppression in their careers.

Authors

• Katherine Rodela, Washington State University

• Claudia Rodriguez-Mojica, Santa Clara University