Dr. Tameka Jackson

A NARRATIVE INQUIRY STUDY ABOUT THE PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORTS OF URBAN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

This qualitative narrative inquiry study aimed to understand the social supports that current urban, alternative, high school principals perceive to have contributed to remaining in the role and providing the support to lead effectively. This study utilizes House’s (1981) model of social support to understand how the various types (informational, emotional, appraisal and instrumental) of social support impact work productivity. The process included virtual interviews with urban, alternative high school principals from schools located in the northeastern part of the United States. In this study, four major themes emerged to help respond to the research question: (a) principals recognize the importance of peer support, (b) principals rely on the support of assistant principals, (c) principals perceive a need for additional external support, and (d) principals express the need for mentoring, but more purposeful and with the right type of mentor. The findings confirm that many of these supports are areas where principals perceived that these factors contributed to their leading the school or the lack of has been a burden while in the role. The working conditions of an urban, alternative high school principal are different from that of a traditional school.

Tameka Jackson is a 5th-year principal at an urban, alternative high school in Bronx, New York. She is a lifelong learner and has been in education with the primary focus on alternative and special education schools for eighteen years. She has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, a Master’s degree in Educational Technology and most of her doctoral work in Urban Educational Leadership. She has her New York School Building Leaders and School District Leaders license. Tameka’s vision includes bringing innovation to the educational industry. As a life and leadership coach, she values the impact of guidance and empowerment for individuals and organizations.