Edith Rusch
Dr. Edith Rusch, associate professor of Educational Leadership joined the K-12 Educational Leadership program in 2004. She has a degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Oregon where she engaged in research with a statewide school reform network. Her previous academic experiences include 7 years at Rowan University in Glassboro NJ where she helped facilitate the start-up of the campus’ first-ever doctoral program in Educational Leadership and 5-years at the University of Toledo where she directed an Ohio reform network. Her previous work experience includes an extensive career in K-12 settings as a teacher, site administrator, and district curriculum director.
Education-
• Ph.D. University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Division of Educational Policy and Management
• MA University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
Secondary Curriculum and Instruction
• B.S.University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI
Elementary Education
Expertise
Diversity and Equity Issues in Leadership Preparation
Leadership and Learning
Systems Change Processes: Organizational Development
Equity, Access, and PK-20
New Institutional Theory
Research Interests
Dr. Rusch's research focuses on the processes and practices that influence the organization and leading of schools. Her work is grounded in the concept of democratic praxis: the intentional application of values and beliefs that lead to a more socially just society. One strand of her scholarship focuses on educational settings engaged in profound cultural change, searching specifically for evidence of equity in action and the developmental traits of educational leaders who practice their craft in democratic ways. A second strand of research examines the intractability of gender and race as an issue in educational settings.
Recent Publications
Rusch, E. A. (2007). Shaping institutional environments: The process of becoming legitimate. Review of Higher Education. 30(3). 301-318.
Rusch, E. A. & Marshall, C. (2006) Gender filters: Plotting a course through equity. International Journal of Leadership in Education. 9(3), 229-250.
Rusch, E. A. (2005). Institutional barriers to organizational learning in school systems: The power of silence. Educational Administration Quarterly. 41(1). 83-120.
Rusch, E.A. (2004). Gender and race in leadership preparation: A constrained discourse. Educational Administration Quarterly. 40(1). 16-48.
Current Activities
Co-Director: UCEA Çenter for Academic Leadership
Co-PI on Statewide Research Team: State of Nevada GEAR-UP grant
Editor: Journal of Research on Leadership Education
Program Chair: AERA Learning and Teaching in Educational Administration SIG
Contact
Phone: 702-895-2891
E-Mail: edith.rusch@unlv.edu