An Uncertain Tale: Alternative Conceptualizations of Pedagogical Leadership

Abstract

This article draws on the experiences of twoeducators to reimagine traditional framingsof pedagogical leadership. In the field of earlychildhood education, pedagogical leadershipcarries conflicting conceptualizations and isoften associated with an “expert” who willdictate indicators of quality, suggesting certaintyand fixed ways of practicing. Educators are oftenreluctant to take on leadership roles that seemantithetical to their collaborative caring practices.In our work together in the Investigating QualityProject and in using pedagogical narration as atool for generating critical dialogue, we explorealternative images of pedagogical leadership.Through sharing our stories, we offer a modeof thinking about pedagogical leadership thatembraces relationality and uncertainty andinvites a culture of dialogue.