Date of Award

Spring 5-2015

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Studies and Research

Committee Chair

Lilian H. Hill

Committee Chair Department

Educational Studies and Research

Committee Member 2

Georgianna Martin

Committee Member 2 Department

Educational Studies and Research

Committee Member 3

Thomas O'Brien

Committee Member 3 Department

Educational Studies and Research

Committee Member 4

Kyna Shelley

Committee Member 4 Department

Educational Studies and Research

Abstract

African American female educators have a prominent place in the history of adult education. In addition to their work as educators, they often served as activists and leaders that fought for justice and the transformation of individual lives and entire communities. This study examines Anna Julia Cooper, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Septima Clark as learning leaders. As a means of accomplishing this research, the work of the aforementioned educators was aligned with Stephen Preskill & Stephen D. Brookfield’s Nine Learning Tasks of Leadership. The effect of the educators’ learning leadership on their local communities and the implications for modern-day adult educators are discussed and suggestions for future research are included. This study demonstrated that Cooper, McLeod, and Bethune's work and accomplishments in adult education throughout their careers indeed distinguished them as learning leaders. Future research with a focus on other adult educators should be conducted.

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