Leadership Recruitment and Selection in School Districts: Trends and Issues

Abstract

This article offers a theoretical perspective on the various trends and issues in the recruitment and selection of school leaders that have drawn much attention as a result of the leadership shortages experienced in school districts across Canada and the United States. Drawing from a review of extant literature published over the last two decades the article identifies various issues within the scope of recruitment and selection systems and posits that when developed and implemented appropriately effective recruitment and selection can help replenish the pool of applicants for leadership positions in public schools. Combining themes developed during the literature review with author's personal communication, a list of implications and recommendation are provided that can assist school district personnel with their efforts to effectively integrate recruitment and selection into leadership development for effective schools.