Are we training the trainers? Leadership educator preparation in student affairs programs

Recently, leadership education researchers and practitioners have raised significant concerns about the gap between the expectations of, and professional training for, leadership educators in student affairs. These professionals are frequently required to facilitate leadership learning, especially in co-curricular training spaces for student leaders. However, they are often not adequately prepared or resourced by their professional development to deliver these training experiences. Moreover, the growing professional development opportunities in leadership education suggest practitioners need education earlier to be effective in their jobs. This article focuses on these gaps in preparing student affairs professionals as leadership educators in leadership training capacities and suggestions for future research to meet these unaddressed needs.