Leading With Love, Positivity, and Responsiveness: A Study of the Connective Tissue of Positive and Culturally Responsive School Leadership

• In Event: Bending Toward Justice: Leadership for Cultural Responsiveness and Equity

Abstract

This article explores the connection between Culturally Responsive School Leadership (CRSL) and Positive School Leadership (PSL) and how both engage with a concept that deeply connects both expressions—trust. By examining a district-level equity leader, and her struggles and successes with promoting equity and positive culture throughout schools, we identify trust as a controlling element across both forms of leadership and a common theme that characterizes how equity-based influence happens within and across schools. It was trusting relationships that allowed the district leadership equity team to positively engage with building leaders. Trust was not only a mitigating factor on the relationships themselves, but also regulated the extent to which equitable practices were discussed and implemented in the district.

Authors

• Karen Seashore Louis, University of Minnesota

• Muhammad Khalifa, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Bodunrin O Banwo, University of Massachusetts - Boston