To The Mountaintop: Transforming Educational Equity as a School Leader

August 2025

School leaders, particularly principals, can be true difference makers. Having a strong school leader can shape productive learning environments, give high-quality teachers the support they need, and influence student outcomes. This literature review synthesizes research on the role that school leaders, specifically principals, play in addressing inequities and promoting student success in educational settings, and the impact equity focused school leaders can have on improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Additionally, this review discusses the changing landscape of education policy and its implications for school leadership by emphasizing the need for equity-centered leadership practices that create inclusive and supportive school environments, and the impact effective principal preparation and development programs play in equipping school leaders with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to foster equitable learning environments in their schools. This literature review also explores the influence that equity-focused school leaders have on teacher and principal retention, the principal pipeline, school culture and climate, and family and community engagement.

Keywords

equity, school leaders, teachers, student outcomes, principal, school leadership

Education level

K-12 Education

Topics

Teacher and Leader Development