https://doi.org/10.1177/1942775118819672 Journal of Research on Leadership Education 2019, Vol. 14(1) 74–97 © The University Council for Educational Administration 2018 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/1942775118819672 journals.sagepub.com/home/jrl Article Using Powerful Learning Experiences to Prepare School Leaders Kathleen M.W. Cunningham 1 , Bryan A. VanGronigen 2 , Pamela D. Tucker 2 , and Michelle D. Young 2 Abstract Addressing systemic inequities in schools requires preparation of leaders who are bold, adaptive, and well-versed in addressing problems of practice so they can be effective leaders. This article offers a theory-to-practice resource for educational leadership faculty who are committed to developing such leadership. Drawing upon learning theories, it builds out the concept of powerful learning experiences (PLEs). Then, using examples drawn from UCEA’s (University Council for Educational Administration) Exemplary Educational Leadership Preparation Program award winners, this article describes ways the incorporation of PLEs help create valuable instructional experiences for leadership candidates to address problems of practice in PK-12 settings. Keywords pedagogy, professional development, leadership program design, leadership preparation, leadership preparation programs, leadership program resources Over two decades ago, Bridges and Hallinger (1997) noted a classic criticism of tradi- tional educational leadership preparation programs: their lack of “meaningful connec- tions forged among theory, research, and practice” (p. 131). They asserted the common practices of having leadership candidates “learn about leadership primarily through reading and discussing theories of leadership, rather than acquiring experience in what leaders actually do” (p. 131), was based on the faulty assumption that if people can 1 University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA 2 University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA Corresponding Author: Michelle D. Young, University of Virginia, 405 Emmet St. S., Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA. Email: mdy8n@virginia.edu 819672JRL XX X 10.1177/1942775118819672Journal of Research on Leadership EducationCunningham et al. research-article 2018