Engraving School Districts With the Cultural Wealth and Social Justice Advocacy of Latina/o/x School Leaders: Stories From the Field

by Kendra Lowery, Silvia Romero-Johnson

Overview

The community cultural wealth that culturally responsive Latina/o/x school leaders bring to their profession has much to offer Latina/o/x students and families in particular, schools and communities generally, aspiring school leaders, and those who prepare them.

Engraving School Districts With the Cultural Wealth and Social Justice Advocacy of Latinx School Leaders examines the lived experiences of eight Latina/o/x school and district leaders, presented as testimonios. The authors explain how community cultural wealth, which is derived from critical race theory, informed professional motivations, leadership experiences, and advocacy actions. Key aspects of Latina/o/x school leadership include how leaders: dismantled deficit-based thinking; maintained high expectations; developed equitable relationships with students and families; acknowledged and valued Latino cultures and identities; and encouraged Spanish language. Connections between the leaders’ actions, culturally responsive leadership, and related concepts are drawn. The enactment of culturally responsive leadership combined with the centering of Latino cultures and language is evidence of Latino Educational Leadership.

The concept of “engraving” is introduced to consider ways in which districts and leader preparation programs can make enduring changes by embedding the culturally responsive practices of Latina/o/x leaders across all current and aspiring leaders. Therefore, the responsibility for creating equitable engagement and achievement for Latina/o/x students and families will not rest solely upon Latina/o/x leaders.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781793615268
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	04/14/2023
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	6.26(w) x 9.12(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

Kendra Lowery is associate dean for equity and engagement and associate professor of educational leadership in Teachers College at Ball State University.

Silvia Romero-Johnson is an educational leader in the field of K-12 education.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1An Explanation of Constructs and Relevant Research About Latina/o/x P-12 School Leaders

Chapter 2Introduction to the School Leaders

Chapter 3Community Cultural Wealth: Lessons from Childhood, Family, and Community

Chapter 4The Pathway to Leadership: Motivations and Steps Taken

Chapter 5Social Justice Advocacy: Evidence from Latina/o/x School Leaders

Chapter 6Engraving Latino Educational Leadership

Chapter 7 Promising Practices For Supporting Latina/o/x School Leaders

Editorial Reviews

Engraving School Districts With the Cultural Wealth and Social Justice Advocacy of Latinx School Leaders is a must-read for all leaders, especially Latina/x/o school leaders. The authors provide important leadership perspectives that are traditionally marginalized. The perspectives shared in this book will inspire, and empower all leaders that are committed to equity and excellence.

Raymond Sanchez

This work critically connects the dots across the necessary commitment of equity and excellence for our Latino communities, students, and families to understand why and how Latina/o/x Leaders matter; illustrating how to grow, enhance, and sustain Latino Educational Leadership scholarship and advocacy for our communities towards a more just and inclusive society.

Cristóbal Rodríguez

Count Lowery and Romero-Johnson's new book as a critical resource for school leaders who are striving to increase diversity among their teams and to build their cultural competence toolkit. The personal stories and real world advice guide their readers to both effective solutions and practical steps to increasing diversity and ultimately student outcomes.

Brenda Cassellius