Date of Graduation

5-2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Curriculum and Instruction

Advisor/Mentor

Pijanowski, John C.

Committee Member

Bengtson, Ed

Second Committee Member

Lasater, Kara A.

Keywords

Education; Effective leadership; School leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the leadership experiences and perspectives of five National Distinguished Elementary Principals (NDPs) from the Class of 2010 serving in the Midwest region of the United States. Specifically, the study investigated the application and selection process of recognition as an NDP, their views of school leadership, and their perception of best professional practices. Using a phenomenological approach, the researcher used semistructured phone interviews and analyzed National Distinguished Principal application essays. The required essays focused on balancing leadership and management, promoting parent involvement, supporting and challenging learners, and advancing a positive culture. The findings indicated the application and selection process as NDP has a unique variance between states, NDPs exercise an integrated leadership approach rooted in professional collaboration, and NDPs use a variety of best practices that focus around hiring, terminating, and communicating expectations.

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