Community-Based Educational Leadership in Principal Preparation: A Comparative Case Study of Aspiring Latina Leaders

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of three aspiring Latina school leaders in a principal preparation program with a social justice emphasis. Employing theoretical perspectives grounded in a community-based educational leadership framework and transformational resistance theory, this study documents how coursework informed the perspectives of participants regarding educational equity and racial justice. This comparative case study takes place at a Hispanic Serving Institution and focuses on two social foundations courses spanning a 5-month period. Findings illustrate participants’ capacity to (a) reframe their past experiences as P-20 students in relation to meritocracy; (b) respond to current injustices as K-12 teachers, particularly the power of language to disrupt or perpetuate inequities; and lastly (c) re-envision educational leadership as future Latina principals as deeply intertwined with communities. The research highlights a need for a broadened approach to principal preparation that fosters future leaders to consider the engagement and leadership of marginalized students and families.