Promising Practices for Leadership Development: Exploring a Collaborative Professional Learning and Coaching Program

Auteurs-es

  • Christy Thomas Ambrose University
  • Jennette Koehn
  • Jeff Turner University of Calgary

Mots-clés :

leadership development, district leadership, professional development, peer coaching

Résumé

Given the substantial impact school leaders have on school improvement, the imperative for continuous professional learning for leaders is evident. In this two-year action research study, researchers collaborated with a school division, forming a research-practice partnership, to design and explore a collaborative professional learning and coaching program. The primary objective of this program was to align with local leadership standards and foster leadership development. The central research question was: How does implementation of a collaborative professional learning and coaching program contribute to leadership development? Data were collected from district and school leaders and included pre and post surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The findings of this study indicate that district leadership practices show promising potential in fostering inservice opportunities for leadership development. These practices include the following: (a) ensure programs are sustained with a consistent focus, (b) utilize collaborative learning approaches, (c) assess growth through reflection and feedback, and (d) use action research to support continual improvement. This study aims to provide valuable insights to school districts and researchers regarding the implementation of sustained and job-embedded professional development for school leaders, with a specific focus on leadership development.

Biographie de l'auteur-e

Christy Thomas, Ambrose University

Dr. Christy Thomas is an assistant professor in the School of Education at Ambrose University and an adjunct assistant professor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. Her research centers on leadership, professional learning, and collaboration which is fueled by her desire to build communities of practice that support flourishing for all.

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2024-05-06

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