Virtual School Principals’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Leadership Practices in the Virtual Environment: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D)
Department
Educational Administration
Date of Award
Fall 2025
Abstract
As the demand for virtual schools continues, understanding virtual school leaders’ practices essential to leading in the virtual environment can provide valuable insight to district leaders on how to properly prepare administrators and teachers of virtual campuses. The researcher examined existing literature of practices that lead to successful student performance, a positive campus culture, and effective strategic operations to highlight the need for a deeper understanding of essential leadership practices in the virtual environment. Previous research confirms that principals’ leadership practices look different in the virtual environment than in the in-person environment (Azukas, 2022; Gustafson & Haque, 2020). In this descriptive qualitative study, the researcher aimed to understand virtual school principals and virtual school teachers’ perceptions of essential leadership practices in the virtual environment. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four virtual school principals and six virtual school teachers. The findings emphasize the need for district leaders to have a more thorough understanding of the complexities involved in leading a virtual campus.
Advisor
Teresa Farler
Subject Categories
Education
Recommended Citation
Little, Laura A., "Virtual School Principals’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Leadership Practices in the Virtual Environment: A Descriptive Qualitative Study" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1328.
https://lair.etamu.edu/etd/1328
