‘What are you willing to do?’: the development of courage in social justice leaders

ABSTRACT

Much research exists about the development and behaviors of leaders for social justice. However, scant research exists on how to develop the courage necessary to promote social justice within leadership candidates. The purpose of this conceptual article is to present a framework for the inclusion of courage within existing leadership preparation frameworks. This framework builds upon several existing frameworks and consists of six dimensions: experiential learning, reflective questions, developing purpose, learning social justice leadership actions, confronting fear, and sustaining when faced with resistance. These dimensions are taught through classroom activities that develop candidates’ ability to confront fear. Courage must be named and addressed through developmentally appropriate reflective questions in order to be developed. Because the framework highlights components of existing frameworks, it can be integrated into existing preparation programs.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Shields (2010) asserted that courage is not a disposition.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kendra Lowery

Kendra Lowery is an assistant dean and assistant professor in the educational leadership. Prior to university teaching and research, she was a teacher and school administrator. Her research interests include the practices and preparation of leaders for social justice, cross-racial dialogue, diversity and inclusion in P-12 districts, and arts-based educational research.