Future Alternatives for Educational Leadership: Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Democracy

This book offers provocations for what’s now and what’s next in educational leadership, simultaneously bringing the field both back to its basics―of equity, democracy, humanity, and education for all―and forward to productive, innovative, and necessary possibilities. Written during the pandemic reality of 2020, this collection shares the global voices and expertise of prominent and emerging leaders, scholars, and practitioners in education from the UK, the United States, South America, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. The authors engage with the complexities and uncertainties of leading in education. They examine research, reflections, and real stories from which school leaders, education system leaders, policymakers, and researchers in the field of educational leadership, can learn, and in which they will find honesty, authority, and inspiration to guide the future of the field.

The new perspectives and hopeful alternatives presented in this outstanding book are essential to researchers, school leaders, and policymakers, and are key to advancing education into positive and democratic futures.

Dr Deborah Netolicky is an education leader and researcher with more than 25 years of experience leading and teaching in independent schools across Australia and England. Operating as a 'pracademic'―bridging the gap between academic scholarship and high-stakes school governance―Deborah is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and holds a PhD in school leadership and educational change. Currently serving as a school principal, senior fellow, and board member, she is dedicated to building futures-looking organisational cultures of trust, inclusivity, and rigour. Deborah’s leadership is anchored in collective action, stakeholder engagement, and strategic governance to ensure schools, staff, and students are prepared for a technology-rich world, while honouring tradition and remaining anchored in human values.