What the study found
Third spaces, meaning shared learning settings outside conventional hierarchies, helped women educational leaders create safe spaces for learning and connection, reflect on sociocultural and sociopolitical identity, and enact forward-looking conceptions of educational leadership.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings suggest a promising new professional learning modality for K-12 women educational leaders and possibly other marginalized groups.
What the researchers tested
The authors used a comparative qualitative design to examine two participatory action research studies they led. Both studies used similar community learning exchange processes in different racialized and sociocultural contexts in U.S. K-12 districts and schools.
What worked and what didn't
In both studies, third spaces supported the same three outcomes listed by the authors: safe learning and connection, critical identity reflection, and forward-looking leadership conceptions. The abstract does not describe outcomes that did not work.
What to keep in mind
The summary available here does not provide detailed limitations. The authors note that third spaces have had limited application in educational leadership professional learning spaces.
Key points
- Third spaces helped women educational leaders build safe learning connections.
- Participants used these spaces to reflect on sociocultural and sociopolitical identity.
- The studies found support for forward-looking conceptions of educational leadership.
- The authors suggest this could be a promising professional learning approach for K-12 women educational leaders.
- The abstract says third spaces have had limited use in educational leadership professional learning.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Third spaces supported women leaders’ identity reflection and leadership practice
- Authors:
- Nicole A. Pierce, Carrie L. Morris
- Institutions:
- Alameda County Office of Education, East Carolina University, East Carolina University, Educational Solutions (United States), Institute for Educational Leadership, Institute for Educational Leadership
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-09
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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