Preparing for the PK–12 Equity Directorship

• In Event: Principals as Instructional and Community Leaders: Embracing Multiple Ways of Knowing

Abstract

Scholarship reveals that PK-12 Equity Directors (ED) are being hired across school districts to help redress school and district based educational inequities. This paper considers the unique pathways and preparation experiences of current PK-12 Equity Directors. Equity director’s roles vary tremendously depending on the district. Yet, there is dearth of scholarship which explains if and how ED’s are properly prepared to lead district equity efforts. We employ a qualitative, collective case study design to examine the preparation pathways of six ED’s in one medium sized, southeastern state. Preliminary findings reveal that lived experiences, higher education (or professional learning), and ongoing professional development are key factors in the preparation and development of contemporary EDs.

Authors

• Darrius A. Stanley, University of Minnesota

• Jess Weiler, Western Carolina University