The scholar -practitioner: Constructing a critical and practical leadership philosophy toward democratic practice

摘要

This study investigated the scholar-practitioner leadership (SPL) construct as a critical and practical alternative to traditional leadership philosophies that dominate educational settings and threaten the prosperity of American democracy. The purpose of this study was to generate new knowledge and understanding of the transformative nature of SPL preparation particular to Stephen F. Austin State University. Using qualitative case study, the experiences of three SPLs from Northwest Louisiana were collected and analyzed. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) SPL preparation advances leadership maturation of individuals predisposed to democratic-mindedness; (2) SPL challenges traditional practices through renewing interests in the revitalization of democratic public life; (3) Authentic practice must continuously develop to affect change toward the realization of a more perfect democracy; (4) The potential impact of SPL is limitless; and (5) Reflection, reflexion, critical self-examination, and critical inquiry are practices SPLs use to meet the challenges faced in one's day-to-day practice.