Author : Regla Isabela Carias-Vazquez
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (137 download)
Book Synopsis Exploring the Professional Experiences of K-12 Latina School and District Leaders and Their Actions and Decisions-making in Working with Students of Color by : Regla Isabela Carias-Vazquez
Download or read book Exploring the Professional Experiences of K-12 Latina School and District Leaders and Their Actions and Decisions-making in Working with Students of Color written by Regla Isabela Carias-Vazquez and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The amount of research on Latina leaders' educational journey and their work with students of color thus far is drastically limited (Castillo et al., 2021). This shortage is also seen in the number of Latina school and district leaders across New York State. In New York State almost 85% of school building leaders were White, while only about 15% were school leaders of color (NYSED, 2019). As the Hispanic population continues to be the fastest growing population in the United States, the disproportion of Latina leaders becomes even more drastic (Manuel Krogstad, 2020). It is imperative for students of color to have leaders in whom they see themselves, yet the gap in Latina leaders and lack of research on their experiences is still evident (Darling-Hammond, 2010). This study aimed to give voice to the counterstories of Latina leaders on their experiences, beliefs, and work with students of color. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the professional experiences of current and former K-12 Latina School and District Leaders and how their experiences have influenced their actions and decision-making in working with students of color in public school districts in New York State. A qualitative design was used to elicit deep responses about the experiences of 17 K-12 Latina school and district leaders and how those experiences have influenced their work with students and families of color. The research study answered three main questions that were based on the Feminist Theory (2019), LatCrit Theory (2001), and Fullan's Leadership Framework (2001). Data were collected through interviews with K-12 Latina school and district leaders. The study generated 17 key findings that addressed the study's three research questions. Some of the key findings in this study were that K-12 Latina school and district leaders were inspired by family members, teachers and/or other influential adults at an early age to become educators and to further their educational journey into leadership. It also revealed that participants who self-identified as a person from Latin origin or descent, Latino/a, expressed they experienced self-perceived ethnicity and gender bias along their educational journey that has impacted their leadership journey and work with students of color. The study also revealed that K-12 Latina leaders also advocated for families and students of color in various ways such as creating academic programs, non-academic opportunities, building relationships, and engaging families. Several conclusions were identified from the findings. Some of these conclusions include: Latina K-12 school and district leaders hold beliefs that their childhood experiences were impactful and influential in their journey to become educators and into leadership; Latina K-12 school and district leaders found that informal mentoring was more impactful and sustainable than formal mentoring in their development as leaders; Latina K-12 school and district leaders believe that their self-perceived ethnicity and/or gender bias experiences along their educational journey have impacted their sense of moral purpose, actions and work with students of color. Based on the findings and conclusions, several recommendations were made for policy, practice, and further study. Some of these recommendations include: Latina leaders should create and/or partner with organizations specifically geared towards the development and empowerment of young Latinas; School districts should be proactive in the recruitment efforts of Latina candidates by partnering with organizations; and Organizations should develop and/or redesign mentorship programs towards the outcome of supporting Latina educational leaders.