"It Just Takes Courage to Step Up and Do It": Social Justice Educational Leadership

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Five
  In Roundtable Session: Equitable Practices for School Leaders (Table 9)

Abstract

Equity and inclusion efforts have increased at U.S. educational institutions. Equity and inclusion leadership has been fraught with political challenges, lack of resources, lack of clear strategic direction, and lack of campus support and engagement. We interviewed seven participants, focusing on the research question: how do equity and inclusion leaders describe their work experiences? We used an inductive and iterative process that produced the following emergent themes: leaders’ advocacy and ethics as they pursue social justice goals; the facilitation of success for diverse and marginalized student populations; and transformational and participatory leadership approaches and philosophies. Our results suggest specific leadership strategies useful to educational leaders such as communication, relationship-building, and ethical advocacy in their contexts.

Authors

• Jill Channing, East Tennessee State University
  Presenting Author

• Kelly A. Brown, Lamar University
  Presenting Author

• Noni Mendoza-Reis, San José State University
  Presenting Author

• Sonia Rodriguez, National University
  Presenting Author