Democratic Curriculum Leadership

This book provides educators with guidance on studying and practicing a curriculum problem solving artistry that is focused on deepening students’ subject matter understandings through democratic self and social understandings. The book begins with a discussion of seven principles of curriculum leadership, which provide a framework for the presentation of a theoretical platform that guides a four-phased process. The curriculum problem solving has four interrelated phases, and advice on studying and practicing each phase has been organized into separate chapters using a montage format incorporating inquiry prompts, supportive quotations, critical commentaries, practical tips, narrative illustrations, and study recommendations. There is a continuous recognition of the ways in which the four phases are folded into one another in highly interactive ways; hence, the problem solving approach is described as a fourfold process. The text concludes with an epilogue honoring the disciplined journey of understanding and the pursuit of professional virtues that are central to the cultivation of problem solving artistry. An ethical oath that was created by twenty Ohio teacher leaders serves as a collegial pledge to embrace this disciplinary commitment.

James Henderson is a Professor Emeritus of Curriculum Studies at Kent State University. He has collaboratively published 7 books and over 100 articles, chapters, and grant research reports on topics related to democratic curriculum development and practice. He served as the co-creator and co-editor of the Journal of Curriculum and Pedagogy for ten years and completed his academic career as Kent State University's first Rebecca Tolle and Burton W. Gorman Endowed Professor of Educational Leadership.

Daniel J Castner is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education and Curriculum Studies at Indiana University Bloomington. His scholarship explores democratic education and anti-authoritarian practices through eclectic curriculum theorizing. He conducts research to describe how curriculum leadership operates in early childhood settings and examines how dedicated teachers with strong personal and professional commitments experience and negotiate the challenges inherent to working in imperfect institutions. Daniel received the 2024 Early Career Research Award from the American Educational Research Association, Early Education & Child Development SIG.

Jennifer Schneider is an Assistant Professor of Curriculum Studies at Oklahoma State University, whose work is deeply influenced by her background in the arts and humanities. She challenges reductionism in curriculum and teaching and seeks to nurture regenerative possibilities. Her scholarly and creative pursuits emphasize holistic education, particularly through experiential, aesthetic, ecological, and contemplative awareness and exploration.