Challenges of Virtual School Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this case study was to examine challenges faced by virtual school leaders in the United States. Through semistructured interviews, the researchers explored challenges faced by eighteen leaders of fully online or blended online programs. Analysis revealed six main challenges: funding, staff, accountability, time, parents, and professional development. The researchers found virtual school leaders face many of the same categorical challenges as leaders in brick-and-mortar schools. The nuances of the challenges, however, are distinct. The researchers concluded that the field of educational leadership must respond to the needs of these leaders through preservice training, in-service professional development, policy reform, and additional research.