Leaders of Learning: A Collaborative Inquiry Network to Develop Leader Efficacy and Identity

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Seventeen
  In Roundtable Session: The Lived Experience of Leaders Engaged in School Improvement (Table 5)

Abstract

School leaders are charged with leading learning amidst increasingly complex roles and responsibilities. Expectations of facilitating professional development often neglect to consider the learning needs of principals and vice-principals. This three-year collaborative inquiry study of the Leaders of Learning Network examined how a model of generative leadership for a group of school leaders impacted their self-efficacy, self-understanding, and leadership identity. Analysis of written reflections revealed that while self-understanding and self-efficacy improved through participation in the network, contradictions were noted between the self-assessment of leadership competencies and written reflections focused on these same areas of growth and development. This paper explores how leadership identity, specifically for female leaders, is an area requiring greater attention and understanding.

Authors

• Sarah Hamilton, Mount Royal University
  Presenting Author

• Dana Braunberger, University of Calgary
  Presenting Author

• Bonnie Caldwell, University of Calgary
  Presenting Author

• Pam Adams, University of Lethbridge
  Non-Presenting Author