Diversity and Leadership Roles
Diversity typically plays a major role in leadership and administrative issues in a school setting. Many schools have a widely diverse student body, faculty, and administration, and diversity issues involving gender, ethnicity, religious affiliations, and even basic social perspectives occur on a daily basis (Howard, 2007). As a grade school principal I am often charged with helping different interest groups such as parents, students and teachers navigate different issues involving diversity. I serve as lead administrator in an urban school, which has a population that is roughly one-third Asian-American, one-third African-American, and one-third Latino. As an administrator I play a key role in encouraging effective communications between different students, students and teachers and between parents and staff.
My perspective on diversity is highly influenced by my own personal identity. As an African-American...
I view my role in school leadership one that sets the tone for the school community, and I am clear with students and teachers that diversity is an issue that should be discussed and celebrated openly. I encourage my staff to view issues of diversity not only through the lens of political correctness, but with a genuine interest in and intention towards helping young people explore different cultures and perspectives. I want my students and teachers to develop a true curiosity and respect for the unfamiliar and a sense of empathy for those who may be less fortunate. For example, many of my staff members come from upper middle class, college-educated families, and in some cases it is difficult for them to related to students who come from very poor immigrant families. I encourage them to be curious…
