Leading Rural Districts: Research Synthesis of Rural Educational Leaders

ABSTRACT For this comprehensive literature review, we begin by framing our study with a scholarship review of the theorizing of place-based leadership and rural administrators. We then synthesize research on the practice and experiences of district administrators, including superintendents, school boards, and other ancillary leaders. We identify multiple themes that cross this body of work, including the significance of the relationship between rural residents and educational leaders; the challenges in recruiting, retaining, and training rural administrators; and the need for critical, place-conscious leadership. The review concludes with recommendations for future scholarship and how such work can inform and improve rural leadership preparation and practice.