Centering Pakikipagkwentuhan as Method: Filipino American School Leaders and the Power of Story

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Community-Rooted Approaches and AANHPI Communities

Abstract

This study explores the lived experiences of Filipino American school leaders using a decolonizing narrative inquiry framework rooted in the indigenous Filipino method of Pakikipagkwentuhan (Orteza, 1997). Through individual and collective storytelling, the pilot study reveals culturally grounded leadership approaches shaped by Filipino values such as kapwa, utang na loob, hiya, bayanihan and bayani. Findings highlight identity-driven leadership, community accountability, and systemic barriers in K-12 education. Implications offer insight into culturally sustaining and authentic leadership development for historically underrepresented groups in educational leadership.

Author

• John Edward Estoesta, Claremont Graduate University