Contributions from: Garry Hornby, University of the West Indies, Barbados and Madge Hall, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
Abstract
This study explores the experiences and perceptions of three women special educational leaders from Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The voices of these pioneers are shared in the context of an increasing need for caring and transformational leadership in special and inclusive-focused settings. The researchers use qualitative methodology through oral history interviewing to collect data needed for penetrative qualitative analysis without the constraints of participant observation or shadowing. The narratives seek to identify: (a) the character and experiences of the these leaders, (b) how they experienced and nurtured an ethic of care, and (c) their major contributions and accomplishments. This study is important because it: (a) addresses the non-legitimisation of these women's contributions and, (b) facilitates a formal, documented and verification of their contributions and commonalties to special education leadership. This may contribute to the enhanced humanizing of educational leadership in contrast to increasing bureaucratisation and more collaborative efforts between these and other Caribbean countries.
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