What You Can't Do Is Waffle: Women in School Leadership During COVID-19

• In Event: Social-Emotional Dimensions of Leadership

Abstract

This phenomenology investigates the experiences of women in school leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the multifaceted challenges these leaders faced and the professional choices they made after the pandemic. Fourteen women participated in in-depth and photo elicitation interviews and shared personal and professional artifacts. Six major themes emerged: multilayered complexity and widespread disruption; defining moments; crisis and continuity leadership; responsibility to and for others; wellbeing and self-care; and personal and professional journeys. The challenges participants faced during the pandemic prompted deep reflection on their lives and careers. Findings highlight the need for researchers and practitioners to understand the impact of crisis leadership on school leaders, with a specific lens of supporting current and future women in school leadership.

Author

• Courtney Beth Cavellier, University of St. Thomas (MN)