Intersectional Solidarity: The Importance of Women in Canadian Educational Leadership Coming Together Over Time

Abstract

Education is often considered the single most important indicator of a nation’s progress and promise.  Education acts to offer opportunity and optimism for those that have not been born to wealth and privilege. Yet without thoughtful awareness, school systems can continue to perpetuate disadvantage – unless there is a leader willing to see the promise in everyone. Strong educational leadership is required to fortify the growth realized by individuals and push the boundaries forward from promise to actualization.  It is an accepted fact that educational leadership is second only to teacher impact on student achievement, graduation rates, and attendance. Kind, intelligent  and thoughtful leadership influences teacher retention rates, equity affirming practices and school cultures. In Canada, one of the most liberal countries in the world, continues to see difference in leadership opportunities for women, particularly those from equity deserving communities. This article takes a bi-ethnographic exploration of the journey of two school leaders with differing positionality but a shared goal of school leadership diversification.