Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how social unrest in the United States, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic deaths of Black people at the hands of police, have transformed the leadership and pedagogy of school leaders in three rural school districts in southwest Texas. The strategies used to collect data for this study included semi-structured Zoom interviews, reflective journals, and class reflections. Findings from this study highlight how COVID-19 and racial unrest in the United States have centered the commitment of the participants to embrace a pedagogy that is more responsive to the students they serve. Additionally, current events have sensitized educators to be more empathetic toward the community they serve as educators. Implications of this study include that educators and leaders should become social justice advocates and strive to become allies against systemic oppression.

How to Cite:

Nino, J. M. & Perez-Diaz, M. B., (2021) “Social Justice Leaders Serving Students of Color in Southwest Texas Rural Schools”, Journal of Research in Rural Education 37(7), 1–14. doi: https://doi.org/10.26209/jrre3707-09

Rights: Copyright