Who's Managing the Classroom Managers? A Qualitative Inquiry of the Assistant Principal

• In Event: The Influence of Administration, Teachers, Technology, and Deficit Thinking on Students and Classroom Management

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of principals, during their tenure as assistant principals in urban middle schools, to understand their journey of becoming culturally responsive school leaders pertaining to school discipline for African American students. A phenomenological design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with four principals who served at four predominately African American urban schools, to explore their experiences with African American students and other school staff during disciplinary episodes while they were assistant principals. While each served at different schools, each arrived at a critical consciousness that was developed and supported by colleagues who employed culturally responsive practices, and immersive experiences with African American students and their families.

Author

• John Andrew Williams, Texas A&M University - College Station