Power of Immigration Stories, Possibilities of Immigration Rights Through Innovative School Leadership Practices

• In Event: Lessons From the Field: Examples of Bold Social Justice Leadership

Abstract

In the current social discourse of anti-immigration sentiment, school leadership that assertively defends immigration rights is essential, especially since the 2016 USA presidential election. Providing case studies of leadership effectiveness that propels positive change in PK–12 schools can influence curriculum transformation and foster social justice. This paper emphasizes innovative school leadership practices through the case study methodology revealing the leadership of a principal who collaborated with teachers to support the power of students and families sharing their immigration stories in a school-wide curriculum. Additionally, the possibilities of immigration rights are demonstrated through a superintendent’s district leadership in collaboration with organizational stakeholders such as principals, teachers, students, families and community immigration attorneys in the case study.

Author

• Patty Bode, Southern Connecticut State University