What the study found
The study found that third spaces helped women educational leaders create safe spaces for learning and connection, reflect on sociocultural and sociopolitical identity, and enact forward-looking ideas of educational leadership. The findings were reported across two studies in different racialized and sociocultural settings.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings suggest a promising new professional learning modality for K-12 women educational leaders and possibly other marginalized groups. They also note that third spaces have had limited use in educational leadership professional learning contexts.
What the researchers tested
The authors used a comparative qualitative design to examine two participatory action research studies that they led. Each study used similar community learning exchange processes in contrasting racialized and sociocultural contexts within K-12 districts and schools in the United States.
What worked and what didn't
Both studies found that third spaces facilitated three outcomes: safe spaces for learning and connection, reflection on identity, and forward-looking conceptions of educational leadership. The abstract does not report any outcomes that did not work.
What to keep in mind
The summary is based on two participatory action research studies in U.S. K-12 districts and schools, so the scope is limited to those contexts. The abstract does not describe specific limitations beyond the limited prior application of third spaces in this area.
Key points
- Third spaces helped women educational leaders create safe spaces for learning and connection.
- Participants used these spaces to reflect on sociocultural and sociopolitical identity.
- The studies found support for forward-looking conceptions of educational leadership.
- The authors suggest this may be a promising professional learning modality for women educational leaders.
- The abstract says third spaces have had limited use in educational leadership professional learning.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Third spaces supported women educational leaders’ reflection and leadership
- Authors:
- Nicole A. Pierce, Carrie L. Morris
- Institutions:
- Alameda County Office of Education, East Carolina University, East Carolina University, Educational Solutions (United States), Institute for Educational Leadership, Institute for Educational Leadership
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-09
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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