Exploring the Intersecting Personal and Professional Identities of Women School Leaders Through Biographical Methods

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: SIG-Biographical and Documentary Research Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This paper examines the lives of four women educators who are also leaders of schools. As new leaders in their second year as principals or assistant principals in public schools who describe themselves as social justice educators, four women school leaders’ intersecting personal and professional identities were explored through life history and biographical narratives. Their stories reveal three projects that they engaged with that combine the politics of negotiating with parents and authoritative figures, advocacy for parents and students so that they centralize and create optimal learning environments for them; and inviting democratic participation from staff and teachers.

Author

• Raji Swaminathan, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee