Culturally-relevant Educational Leadership during Times of Uncertainty: Perspectives of Women Leaders in Southern Philippines

Abstract

The role of educational leadership is crucial in times of uncertainty, particularly in the southern Philippines, where several conflicts and issues have disrupted the education system. The new coronavirus that emerged in late 2019 makes this more difficult (COVID-19). These unprecedented times have resulted in significant social and economic disruption, and educational institutions have been compelled to adopt alternative teaching and learning approaches. This study employed a qualitative research design with the key informant interview as the mode of data collection. There were 30 key informants (KIs) who consented to the interview and agreed to have their conversations recorded. The KIs were selected using the purposive sampling technique, specifically the criterion sampling procedure. Their distinctive viewpoints, experiences, or other qualities that are pertinent to the research questions serve as the bases for selection. This technique allows the researcher to target a specific group of individuals who can provide valuable insights into the research topic. The criteria include the following: they were designated as school heads for at least three years; they have at least a master’s degree; they have at least one school leadership award; and they were assigned in any of the provinces or cities in northern Mindanao. The results revealed that women school leaders have emerged as key players, and their perspectives on culturally relevant educational leadership during times of uncertainty can shed light on effective approaches to managing challenges and promoting progress in the field of education. In this study, women school leaders in the southern Philippines have emphasized the importance of specific approaches in creating inclusive learning environments that provide a chance for learners in geographically disadvantaged areas to continue their studies. This involves engaging with local communities and understanding their values, goals, and aspirations.