A Principal's Strategy for Dealing With Heteronormativity

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

Abstract

This case describes the work of a principal named Jade working in a diverse school, attempting to engage in social justice leadership, and deal with a heteronormative incident directed at one of the teachers in their school. This case sheds light on the competing concerns educational leaders face in relation to creating safe and inclusive schools that are responsive to the needs of diverse and divergent stakeholders, and which are also “successful”. The case explores the current context in education, exploring they “why and the how”, exploring strategies for achieving social justice in contested contexts. Data for the case is derived from a large study involving 38 educational leaders from Canada and the United States.

Authors

• Stephanie Diane Tuters, OISE/University of Toronto

• James Ryan, University of Toronto - OISE