A Case Study Investigating e-Coaching of Aspiring Urban School Leaders

Research indicates that significant numbers of new principals enter the field without the necessary requisites to remain in the position (longevity) or build school and community partnerships. While many practicing educational leaders focus on these two essential issues, race/ethnicity, poverty, inequity, and education are intersecting constructs that remain at the forefront of university preparation programs, state departments, and school systems. In response to a critical need to address gaps in the educator preparation programs and knowledge and skills of current and practicing school leaders, this qualitative action research case study explores two distinct purposes. First, the research study focuses on how e-coaching supports aspiring educational leaders to become transformative leaders in their everyday practices. Second, the research study informs practice about how e-coaching transforms the preparation of the e-coach. The study's rationale emanates from a desire to address social justice issues related to the opportunity gap and help aspiring leaders address minoritized students' needs. The researcher assumes that e-coaching is an innovative approach to support aspiring educational leaders to disrupt inequities and oppression and challenge deficit thinking in schools. Three participants (coachees) initially engaged in the research study; however, due to COVID 19, two remained. The primary data collection method was an interview (co-constructed dialogues). The data were coded and organized according to the four propositions aligned and then to the research questions. Analysis and interpretation of findings were organized by way of three analytic categories based on the study’s four theoretical perspectives: (a) the theory of planned behavior, (b) culturally responsive leadership, (c) transformative leadership, and (d) transformational coaching for equity. This research revealed that e-coaching does prepare aspiring leaders for their roles as culturally responsive school leaders and transformative leaders. However, school leaders' transformative role in preparing students for engaged, civil roles in society was not evident in the dissertation's findings. Recommendations are offered for the study's participants (coachees), coaches, educational leadership practice, and further action research possibilities.