Date
7-22-2025
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration (PhD)
Chair
Dr. Antionette Stroter, Ph.D
Keywords
Critical Incidents, School Shootings, COVID-19, Racial Unrest, Social Cognitive Theory, Principal Leadership, Adaptive Leadership, School Safety, Crisis Management
Disciplines
Educational Leadership
Recommended Citation
Griffin, Terry-Ann, "Leading Through Critical Incidents: A Phenomenological Study of K–12 School Leaders’ Responses to Critical Incidents" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7179.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7179
Abstract
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore how K–12 school leaders respond to critical incidents in schools. A critical incident is any actual or alleged event or situation that creates a significant risk of substantial or severe harm to physical or mental health, safety, or well-being. The study focused on three major critical incidents: school shootings/gun violence, the COVID-19 pandemic, and racial unrest. The research was guided by Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, which explains human behavior through reciprocal interactions between personal, environmental, and behavioral factors. The central research question was: How do K–12 school leaders respond to critical incidents in schools? A transcendental phenomenological design was utilized, with data collected through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis. Participants included eleven school principals from various U.S. regions. Data were analyzed through epoche, phenomenological reduction, imaginative variation, and meaning synthesis, as outlined by Moustakas (1994). Findings revealed five major themes: (1) Institutional and Structural Challenges, (2) Equity and Inclusion Concerns, (3) Emotional and Psychological Impact, (4) Adaptive Leadership and Resilience, and (5) Community and Academic Dynamics. Results indicated that school leaders navigated these crises by implementing adaptive leadership strategies, prioritizing mental health resources, and reevaluating school safety policies. The study’s findings offer practical insights for school leaders managing critical incidents, emphasizing the need for proactive crisis preparedness and enhanced community engagement.
