From Plate Spinner to Flight Attendant: Metaphors of Principals Leading Change in Complex Times

• In Event: Leading in Chaos: Crisis and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Principals’ work has become increasingly complex, with expectations to lead school improvement and balance competing demands amid shifting sociopolitical landscapes. Using life history and narrative methods, we analyze the metaphors that women principals use to describe their experiences with leadership and reform. Principals’ metaphors for describing their leadership were value driven. They used negative metaphors to capture political tensions but saw their intersectional identities as strengths in navigating challenging situations. When discussing reform, principals used metaphors associated with movement and empowerment. Metaphors also revealed the emotional and physical tolls of the job as principals managed crises while projecting calmness. Exploring metaphors in principals’ narratives provides insight into their professional lives and how to support them in transforming schools in challenging times.

Authors

• Amanda L. Datnow, University of California - San Diego

• Vicki Park, San Diego State University

• John Diaz, University of California - San Diego