PED 109

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

Leadership is an essential factor that contributes to the successful operation of an organization. The high quality of
instruction delivered by teachers is influenced by school leaders because they take part in the selection process of hiring
teachers. Thus, leadership is considered as vital to the effectiveness of educational institutions.

School leaders` primary function is to take charge of the management of the school.

The following are the some of the important aspects of a school leader`s role highlighted by Christie, Thompson, &
Whiteley (2009):

1. Developing a deep understanding of how to support teachers- School leaders should understand the need of
teachers that will capacitate them in order to become effective teachers.
2. Managing the curriculum in ways that promote student learning- Learners have different learning styles; hence
curriculum shall be carefully managed accordingly by planning for appropriate strategies in curriculum delivery
that will suit the learning styles of students.
3. Developing the ability to transform schools into more effective organization to foster powerful teaching and
learning for all students- Leaders should have in-depth understanding of powerful teaching and learning through
the use of brain-based instruction that promotes active-inquiry, in-depth learning, and performance assessment
including culture of excellence that will lead to the effective teaching and learning.

Among the roles that teacher leaders may assume are the following:

 Grade level/Subject Coordinator- this may include instructional leadership and administrative functions.
 Department Chair/Coordinator- serves as liaison officer between administration and colleagues.
 Curriculum and Assessment Specialist- leads teachers to follow curriculum standards and develop appropriate
assessment.
 Mentor/Coach- serves as a mentor for co-teachers.
 Facilitator- facilitates professional development.
 Other roles: Resource Provider, Instructions Specialist, Classroom Supporter, School Leader, Data Coach, Catalyst
for Change, Learner

Leaders can influence the effectiveness of an organization through the following:

 The choice of objectives and strategies to pursue;

 The motivation of members to achieve the objectives;
 The mutual trust and cooperation of members:
 The organization and coordination of work activities;
 The allocation of resources to activities and objectives;
 The development of members skills and confidence;
 The learning and sharing of knowledge by members;
 The enlistment support and cooperation from outsiders;
 The design of formal structure, programs, systems; and,
 The shared belief and values of members.

School leaders involved various leadership styles which include transformational, instructional, and distributed
leadership.

 Instructional Leadership- Hallinger defines this as a leadership being focused predominantly on the role of a
school head in coordinating, controlling, supervising, and developing curriculum and instruction.
o Three-dimensional approach of instructional leadership
1. Defining the school’s mission
2. Managing the instructional program
3. Promoting a positive school climate
 Transformational Leadership- Conceptualized by James MacGregor Burns in 1978. Transformational leaders are
type of leaders who inspire their followers to achieve extraordinary outcomes by inspiring them, and in the
process, develop their own capacity.
 Distributed Leadership – Considered as the shared effort by more than one person.

Prepared by Cristian Joel P. Delos Santos BSED SCIENCE-II