Investigations Into the Working Conditions of Leaders of Color: Illuminating the Truth About Recruitment, Retention, and Turnover

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

In aligning with the conference theme, we ask, what is role of leaders of color in determining “truth” in schools? Specifically, who decides what schools should teach and learn, and how? How do leaders of color effectively engage with constituents of the educational enterprise as they construct their notions about truth as they leverage their positions to attempt to influence the education of all students? For example, would a school board member be more influenced by a layperson with no educational research background or a culturally responsive school leader when it comes to understanding the recent mischaracterization of critical race theory (CRT) and its impact on school culture, particularly student well-being? The answer to these questions rest at the intersection of policy and practice, increasingly begging us to explore how leaders of color are recruited, retained, supported as they become more culturally aware? Exploring these questions will clarify how education research can improve the working conditions of principals of color. We also argue that recruiting and retaining culturally responsive leaders of color is a huge influence on equity (Radd et al, 2021; Khalifa, Gooden, & Davis, 2016).

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Mark Anthony Gooden, Teachers College, Columbia University

Papers

• Recruiting, Retaining, and Supporting Equity-Focused Leaders - Mark Anthony Gooden, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Understanding and Addressing Principal Turnover: A Mixed-Methods Study - Stephanie Levin, Learning Policy Institute

• Insights Into White Supremacy Culture From Interviews With African American Leaders About Their Careers - Crystal A. Moore, Education Trust - West; Sandra Phillips-Sved, San Francisco Unified School District

• Designing at the Margins: How Senior School District Leaders of Color Learn to Enact Equitable Policies and Practices - Travis J. Bristol, University of California - Berkeley; Rebecca Cheung, University of California - Berkeley

Discussant

• Mark Anthony Gooden, Teachers College, Columbia University