Developing Leadership Through Inquiry and Reflection: Lessons from a University–District Preparation Partnership

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Developing Reflective Leadership Practices: Mentoring, Feedback, and Well-Being

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we examine the impact of intentionally embedding inquiry into a university–district leadership preparation program. Guided by Cochran-Smith and Lytle’s inquiry as stance, we analyzed 32 interviews with pre-service leaders, program faculty, and district administrators to uncover how the role of inquiry influenced leadership development. Findings revealed that inquiry-oriented experiences helped pre-service leaders develop a leader identity, prompted school-based change, and influenced the ongoing evolution of the preparation program. This study offers implications for school/university leadership preparation programs regarding the potential of inquiry-based learning and contributes to the growing body of research on leadership preparation.

Authors

• Shanna Dawn Anderson, Montclair State University

• Donna Volpe, Ramsey Board of Education

• Rachel Garver, Montclair State University