Leadership preparation in progress: evidence from a district-university partnership

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the experiences of a closed cohort of aspiring leaders and connects the university and school district partnership relationship to building the leadership capacity of the cohort. This study builds on previous literature in district-university partnerships and leadership preparation. Powerful learning experiences (PLEs) and interpersonal-intrapersonal leadership development models serve as frames to examine how aspects of successful leadership preparation programs were present.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study was conducted with a team of researchers from the university and school district and relies on data from semi-structured interviews with students from the closed cohort.

Findings

Researchers identified three major themes of aspiring leaders' preparation experience: confidence building, reflection and mindset change.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the emerging literature on PLEs by illustrating how this type of partnership creates opportunities for powerful learning experiences for aspiring school leaders.

Citation

Osworth, D., Cunningham, K.M.W., Hardie, S., Moyi, P., Gaskins, M. and Osborne Smith, N. (2023), "Leadership preparation in progress: evidence from a district-university partnership", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 61 No. 6, pp. 682-697. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-01-2023-0009