Leadership practices that build a positive school culture
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Julie Hancock (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Kathy Hytten
Abstract: Serving as an elementary school principal has given me the unique opportunity to shape the culture of our school. Serving as a woman in a school leadership role has also made me curious about how other women lead to improve school culture. Are they investing in a positive school culture and seeing the benefits in student achievement? Typically, human capital management is not a focus offered to principals when they are asked to consider different avenues to improve student outcomes. We know carrot-and-stick accountability plans are not working and not motivating anyone. Focusing more attention on school culture could be one way to alter this trend. In this basic qualitative research study, I used data from interviews with five female elementary school principals nominated for their strengths in building school culture and analysis of artifacts to examine their experiences in shaping the cultures of the schools they lead. I also examined the role gender played in creating this kind of supportive and caring school environment. I identify and report the specific strategies and practices that these principals are using to impact culture related to trust, professional development, communication, collaboration, care, and celebration. Additionally, I report the specific areas related to gender that presented a challenge to these leaders as they worked to build and maintain a positive school culture. I also include advice for future leaders and what needs to change in the way women are leading for them to continue to experience success. Finally, I share recommendations for superintendents, district level administrators, and universities/colleges about what it is important to help other future leaders and specifically the support women aspiring to be school leaders need to be successful. The results indicate that current female leaders are doing amazing work despite the challenges they face and the little support they receive.
Leadership practices that build a positive school culture
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Created on 12/1/2021
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Dissertation
- Language: English
- Date: 2021
- Keywords
- Culture, Leadership, Practices, Principal
- Subjects
- Educational leadership
- Women school principals
- Elementary school principals
- Elementary school environment