Developing Learning Leaders: How Modeling PLC Culture in Principal Preparation Can Shift the Leadership Views of Aspiring Administrators

Abstract

While scholars argue that school administrators should cultivate a culture of learning and efficacy among staff, little is known about how to develop learning leaders. This study investigated whether a principal preparation course that modeled a Professional Learning Community and utilized Powerful Learning Experiences (PLEs) could shift the mental models of aspiring leaders toward learning leadership. A qualitative analysis of weekly journal entries indicated that the course supported half of students in developing learning leadership values, one entered disequilibrium, and the others remained management oriented. We argue that developing learning leaders requires greater exposure to PLEs throughout their principal preparation.