Katina Pollock

Dr. Katina Pollock, PhD

Professor - Critical Policy, Equity and Leadership Studies

PhD (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto)

Dr. Katina Pollock, PhD

Professor - Critical Policy, Equity and Leadership Studies

PhD (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto)

I am a Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at the Faculty of Education, Western University. The overall goal of my research agenda is to support and improve public education systems; to this effect, my research focuses on supporting school leaders. Specifically, I focus on school leaders’ work intensification and well-being, policy development and implementation, social justice and equity, and the mobilization of knowledge.

I am also the Academic Coordinator of Western University's 2022/2023 Doctor of Education program, I hold elected membership on the University Research Board (2022-2024), and I supervise graduate students’ research on education leaders’ practices and well-being. Past leadership roles I have held are: Co-Director of the Knowledge Network for Applied Education Research (KNAER) (2010-2019), Director of the Western Centre for Education Leadership (2014–2018), and Co-Director of the UCEA Centre for International Study of School Leadership (2011-2014).

Research Highlights
Thus far, I have completed three provincial studies, funded by the Ontario Principal's Council (OPC), that explored principals’ (2014) and vice-principals’ (2016) work. As well, I completed  a study about French and French Catholic principals’ work in Ontario (2019). My research has also been supported by the Ontario provincial government (2011–2014). In 2018, I studied the work of principals in relation to the Ontario Leadership Framework. My research findings can be found in the research project page of my website, and all of my publications are included in the publications page. 

Funding & Grants
As a scholar in leadership and policy, I have received several research grants and contracts from a number of funding organizations, including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). My SSHRC Insight Development Grant (2013–2016) explored the contemporary work of secondary school principals. My subsequent SSHRC Insight Grants have focused on secondary school principals’ work intensification (2016–2021) and the relationship of policy and principals’ work (2015–2023). In addition to federal research funding, I also work closely with several professional organizations, such as the Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC) and the Association des Directions et Directions Adjointes des Ecoles Franco-Ontariennes (ADFO).

Other Titles:

  • University Research Board Member
  • Past Academic Coordinator, Education Doctorate Program
  • Past Co-Director, Knowledge Network for Applied Education Research, Secretariat
  • Past Director, Western's Centre for Education Leadership