Leading with Hope: A Grounded Theory Exploration of Trauma Informed Leadership for School Principals

Authors

Christopher Bottoms, Stokes County SchoolsFollow
Robert J. Lynch, Appalachian State UniversityFollow
Shawn Ricks, Appalachian State UniversityFollow
Julie Hasson, Appalachian State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Before the age of 18, 60% of U.S. youth are estimated to have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), with 1 in 6 experiencing four or more ACEs. This study sought to uncover the ways in which school principals understand and enacted ways to support students that have experienced trauma. Using grounded theory methods (n=15), we explored how school principals utilize trauma-informed leadership as a means to support students. The impact of this study may help in the revision of how school principals are evaluated, professional development for school principals, and the academic preparation for school administration candidates.

Recommended Citation

Bottoms, Christopher; Lynch, Robert J.; Ricks, Shawn; and Hasson, Julie (2024) "Leading with Hope: A Grounded Theory Exploration of Trauma Informed Leadership for School Principals," Journal of Educational Leadership in Action: Vol. 9: Iss. 2, Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62608/2164-1102.1159
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/ela/vol9/iss2/7

Date

04/17/2024

Creative Commons License

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