Poster #41 - Transforming or Reproducing? The Nature and Implications of Candidate Nomination in School Leader Preparation Programs

• In Event: 25.087 - MTCC Poster Session Four
  In Poster Session: 25.087-5 - Division A Graduate Student Poster Session

Abstract

A shortage of well-prepared principal candidates persists in districts across the United States, and educational leadership programs must consider how changes in the field of school leadership and the characteristics of aspiring leaders influence the selection of candidates into preparation programs. As preparation programs undergo redesign, many are adopting a principal nomination process for candidate identification (Lashway, 2003). Do school leaders nominate teachers for leadership preparation who reflect their personal beliefs and perceptions of effective leadership, and what are the implications of nomination for the future of educational leadership? Interviews conducted with nominating principals revealed principals nominate candidates based on their personal truths about effective leadership. Findings also indicate that the nomination process can contribute to both social reproduction and transformation.

Authors

• Daniel Reyes-Guerra, Florida Atlantic University

• Melanie Ann Stefanovic, Florida Atlantic University

• Leila Hilal Shatara, Florida Atlantic University

• Sharon R. Moffitt, Florida Atlantic University