The Professional Standards for Educational Leaders and Virtual School Leadership Competencies: Do They Align?

• In Event: Technology and Leadership in Action

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the competencies required for virtual school leadership as they relate to the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders. Interviews were conducted with 22 virtual leaders using a semi-structured interview protocol. Data were analyzed using a hybrid coding approach. Results indicated that while the P-SEL Standards were categorically aligned to their work, there were distinctive differences in the ways in which virtual school leaders engaged their work across various leadership domains. Differences included connecting and engaging teachers, students, and parents in the virtual environment as well as employing non-profit and business leadership skills in dealing with the intricacies of virtual funding models, attracting students, and designing and producing online content.

Author

• Elizabeth Azukas, East Stroudsburg State University of Pennsylvania