This introductory article attempts to set a conceptual stage for the special issue on identities of school leaders. We do this by beginning with a discussion of identity--its definition, philosophical roots, nature, and components. We then move to a discussion of identity development and the various dimensions that characterize this development.…

The headteacher's role in school improvement and the changing nature of the role suggest the need to investigate how new school leaders learn their jobs, that is, their socialization to the leader role. This study has two purposes: (1) to identify the content and methods used in the professional and organizational socialization experiences of new…

The growing interest internationally in leadership development and how leaders contribute to student learning makes the development of the National College for School Leadership (NCSL) an intriguing and potentially significant event. This article examines the aims and programs of the NCSL from a North American perspective. Based on a context in…