Boundary Spanning in Homeless Children’s Education: Notes From an Emergent Faculty Role in Pittsburgh

Purpose: This From the Field article describes an emerging model of boundary spanning leadership in homeless education. Drawing from the pilot program that is being implemented in conjunction with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund in Pittsburgh, the article identifies areas of promise and potential limits to university faculty involvement with schools, shelters, and other community institutions as they engage pressing issues related to the schooling of students who are homeless. Implications: Situated within the rapidly declining economic situation—where numbers of homeless students are skyrocketing—this area of leadership inquiry and practice is especially significant. This article suggests that boundary spanning individuals and systems can facilitate efficient homeless education practice within and among schools, universities, and shelters.