Centering Wellness for Justice: The Role of Resilient Principals in Mandarin Dual Language Immersion Leadership (Stage 2, 1:50 PM)

• In Event: e-Lightning Ed-Talk Session 4 - Stage 2

Abstract

This study investigates the experiences of elementary principals of Mandarin dual language immersion (DLI) schools in California, focusing on leadership preparation, role longevity, and self-efficacy. As principals navigate linguistic and cultural demands, their well-being and emotional resilience emerge as essential to advancing social justice in education. Semi-structured interviews with seven Mandarin DLI principals reveal preparation gaps in areas such as program development, teacher support, and wellness. Findings offer insights for improving leadership training and retention in linguistically diverse settings. This study contributes to the growing recognition that leader wellness is not peripheral but foundational to equitable educational leadership in Mandarin DLI contexts (Berkovich & Eyal, 2020; Pentón Herrera & Darragh, 2024).

Authors

• Natasha Neumann, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

• Soomin Chao, California State University - Fullerton