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Cultivating learning communities with a social justice mindset requires an approach that focuses not just on an individual’s success, but all the support systems and environments that surround that student.

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A key principle of social justice in education is fostering the academic achievement of all students. Dantley and Tillman (2010) say all students will benefit when being prepared to live as “critical citizens” in society and learning in heterogeneous, inclusive classrooms.

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In leading, managing and nurturing socially just learning communities, I believe school leaders need to provide a high level of transparency for students, teachers, parents and the community at large. In order for a vision to be shared, it must be developed collaboratively, communicated regularly and revisited consistently and comprehensively.

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There is a vast amount of character traits that make for a good leader. I believe leadership is situational, but adopting a leadership philosophy that has a social justice mindset requires some specific focuses.

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I believe a social justice mindset requires great commitment and persistence. Change is slow. Hope may wane, but progress is being made. The election of President Barack Obama in 2008 was a profound moment for me as a young professional in education. His political philosophy revolved around change and had a community focus. Obama sparked my head and my heart as a social justice advocate.

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While the current political climate appears to be firmly rooted on reproducing inequities, social justice-minded individuals can find hope and reassurance that progress continues to be made through the election of our country’s most diverse group of elected officials. More women, races and religions now have representation among America’s lawmakers.

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Educational leaders who wish to challenge the status quo and build a shared vision for social justice within education can a transformative leadership philosophy. "Transformative leadership begins with questions of justice and democracy; it critiques inequitable practices and offers the promise not only of greater individual achievement but of a better life lived in common with others" (Shields, 2010, 559).

Shields (2015) illustrates her theory of transformative leadership by using the game of Monopoly. She asserts that someone joining the game at a disadvantage will remain disadvantaged regardless of their efforts. With that reality in mind, she provides leaders with eight tenets of this leadership philosophy:

1. Recognize and accept the need for change.
2. Commit to change.
3. Have moral courage.
4. Examine and adjust attitudes and assumptions, then deconstruct and reconstruct.
5. Redistribute power.
6. Focus on democracy.
7. Understand the public and private value of education.
8. Focus on interconnectedness.

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I strive to be a transformative leader. I believe this philosophy of leadership is both effective and inspired when addressing issues of social justice in education. It's courageous and values-driven. It also is challenging because effecting real and systematic change can be a slow process. Transformative leaders must dedicate and re-dedicate themselves to this philosophy throughout their leadership lives.

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"You're not in it by yourself."

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Dr. Cornel West @ 2014 Leadership & Social Justice Conference

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Carolyn Shields. (2015, October 1). Transformative Leadership for Social Justice [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/7YEsZNbfg-c.

Dantley, M.E. & Tillman, L.C. (2010). Social justice and moral transformative leadership. In C. Marshall & M. Oliva (Eds.), Leadership for Social Justice: Making Revolution in Education (2nd ed., pp. 19-34). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.

SaintMarysCA CILSA. (2014, November 6). Dr. Cornel West @ 2014 Leadership & Social Justice Conference [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/_8dhuYWxpVo

Shields, C.M. (2010). Transformative leadership: Working for equity in diverse contexts. Educational Administration Quarterly, 46(4), 558-589.

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The continuous pursuit of equity for the purpose of elevating, advancing and including marginalized people for collective success of our society.

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My Mission and Purpose in Education: Removing Obstacles

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My Mission and Purpose in Education: Removing Obstacles

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This well-circulated image is visually symbolic of the difference between equality and equity. A social justice mindset puts equity at the forefront and focuses on removing obstacles that inhibit the success of all.

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1. All students deserve educational environments where they can succeed.

2. A student’s worth or potential should not be limited based on another’s assumptions about their ability or promise.

3. It is the responsibility of educators and educational leaders to advocate for and develop and implement school environments, policies and procedures that remove barriers for all students.

4. Education is a human right, and therefore should be accessible by everyone.

5. By improving the lives of the underrepresented, everyone benefits.