Leading as a Political Act Through a Crises: A Conceptual Framework Toward Liberation

• In Event: Reaffirming Critical Education's Commitment to the Radicalization of Democracy and the Constitution of Active Citizenship

Abstract

Principals across the country are frequently confronted with a variety of crises requiring them to examine their leadership. In these uncertain times, it is imperative to investigate principals and how they view their leadership through a Freirean lens. Freire's (1972) calls are heralded by the current political climate and systemic racism embedded in the United States. Thus, I ask: How, if at all, do principals describe their leadership as a political act? How do principals characterize their leadership through a Freirean lens? I designed a conceptual framework that identifies three characteristics of leading as a political act. Preliminary findings in this study suggest principals engage in leadership as a political act by demonstrating critical reflection, authenticity, and critical consciousness.

Author

• Patricia M Virella, Montclair State University