Alixandra Rael, Teacher Education and Educational Leadership and Policy

Name:

Alixandra Rael

Title:

Lecturer in Elementary and Secondary Education

Department:

Teacher Education and Educational Leadership and Policy

Describe your research in about 200 words.

My research sits at the intersection of history, gender studies, and educational leadership. I am interested in how historical contexts and evolving power structures—specifically regarding gender and diversity—shape the experiences of leaders within educational systems based on their own identity markers. I am curious to investigate marginalized perspectives to understand how institutional policies and leadership styles impact equity and inclusion and to analyze the interplay between identity and authority to examine how a leader’s positionality influences the lived experiences of students, families, and staff. Ultimately, I would seek to uncover systemic barriers and identify inclusive leadership practices that foster more equitable school environments. I am particularly interested in how we can leverage historical insight to dismantle contemporary inequities, ensuring that educational leadership serves as a catalyst for meaningful, representative support for all members of the school community.

What’s the most interesting thing you have learned from a student?

The most interesting thing I’ve learned from a student is that they are already living in the real world. I grew up in a time when education was about “getting people ready for the real world” but may of them already are due to unfortunate circumstances and the current state of sociopolitical affairs which is why empathy, restorative practices, and compassion are more important than ever.