Color, Capital, Culture: Pivotal Roles of Asset-Based Mentorship on the Leadership Climb for Latinx Educators

• In Event: Moving Beyond the Usual Conversations in Leadership Preparation

Abstract

Despite recent data underscoring a major disparity between the numbers of Latinx and White school leaders, our education system continues to fail in providing culturally representative leaders. This study focuses on investigating the academic and non-academic supports that help Latinx educators to become school principals. Using a mixture of in-person one-on-one interviews and group conversations, this study displays a collection of narratives from current Latinx principals. Findings revealed that mentorship is most effective when mentors implement asset-based, culturally responsive practices. A pragmatic use of this finding calls on administrative credential programs and school systems alike to offer this specialized kind of mentorship to increase the number of Latinx principals.

Author

• Christian J Rubalcaba, San Mateo-Foster City School District