Effective Internships: Building Bridges Between Theory and Practice

Abstract

Growing criticism of existing educational leadership preparation programs seems to focus on a lack of contextual relevancy and instructional leadership. Universities and school districts need to develop more formal, collaborative, long-term relationships focused on the nature of principal preparation, moving beyond acculturation to district norms and irrelevancy to building future leaders' capacity for continuous educational improvement. Educational administration as an applied field demands that we answer key questions regarding the development of effective practitioners.

William G. Cunningham is an Eminent Scholar and Professor of Educational Leadership at Old Dominion University. An innovative consultant, he is the author of a number of books and many articles, and has made numerous presentations at national and state conferences.

Whitney H. Sherman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Her research interests include leadership preparation and mentoring, women's issues in leadership, social justice in leadership, and ethical leadership.