Examining Empathy and Advocacy in K–12 Educational Leaders

• In Event: Social Justice and Equity Leadership in Changing Times: New Perspectives on Research, Theory, and Practice

Abstract

In this quantitative study, the relationship between levels of empathy and advocacy competencies among a sample of K-12 educational leaders are examined. The researchers determined higher levels of empathy to be a positive, statistically significant predictor of advocacy for students at the individual as well as community levels. Researchers discovered educators possessing high levels of empathy would be better able to advocate effectively. Professional implications as well as implications for training future school leaders are explored.

Authors

• Jill Cabrera, University of Mississippi

• Amanda Winburn, University of Mississippi