Discover what educational leadership is and explore the theories in leadership. Study examples of different types of leaders in education, such as authentic leaders.
Educational Leadership | Theories, Characteristics & Types
Table of Contents
- What is Educational Leadership?
- Educational Leadership Theories
- Types of Leaders in Education
- Lesson Summary
- FAQs
- Activities
Prompts About Educational Leadership:
List Prompt:
Make a list of at least seven types of educational leaders. You can refer to the lesson, but try to recall as many from memory as you can. At the top of your list, provide the definition of educational leader.
Example: Department chair.
Graphic Organizer Prompt 1:
Create a poster, chart, or some other type of graphic organizer that lists and briefly describes the three components of educational leadership.
Example: Concepts of leadership involve management techniques.
Graphic Organizer Prompt 2:
Make a poster, chart, or some other type of graphic organizer that describes the functions distributed leaders in education.
Example: Distributed leaders rely on a wide range of expertise.
Graphic Organizer Prompt 3:
Create a poster, chart, or some other type of graphic organizer that explains the functions of transactional leaders in education.
Example: Transactional leaders focus on day-to-day concerns, as opposed to looking toward the future.
Essay Prompt:
In at least three to four paragraphs, write an essay that compares and contrasts transformational leaders and servant leaders.
Example: Transformational leaders and servant leaders both focus on building relationships with those around them.
Letter Prompt:
Pretend that you have just been appointed to an educational leadership position. Write a letter of at least one page to your educational institution that describes why you are an authentic leader.
Tip: Remember that authentic leaders are those who "lead with the heart."
What is educational leadership and its functions?
Educational leadership is the process that leaders in the education field go through to empower, encourage, and lead their teachers and students. The purpose of educational leadership is to improve the quality of education provided.
What are the major types of educational leadership?
There are several types of educational leadership. There are servant leaders, transformational leaders, transactional leaders, authentic leaders, and distributive leaders.
What is the role of an educational leader?
An educational leader is one who leads, empowers, and encourages teachers and students in their care. Some examples of educational leaders are principals, superintendents, and instructional coaches.
Table of Contents
- What is Educational Leadership?
- Educational Leadership Theories
- Types of Leaders in Education
- Lesson Summary
An educational leader is one who works to serve, guide, and encourage educators to become more proficient and effective. The purpose of educational leadership is to improve the quality of education that is being given. Those who occupy these leadership roles are often leaders in educational institutions, such as principals, superintendents, and deans. They are present at each educational level, including early childhood centers, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges. They are typically the ones in the school setting who teachers and other employees look up to, go to for guidance, and follow.
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There are several theories on educational leadership. Many educational leadership theories come from business management concepts and were modified to fit school settings. The type of educational leadership that is needed varies from school to school based on different factors like size, demographics, and environment. Many of the leadership models were first used in the classroom.
Leadership Characteristics
All leaders have certain characteristics that are unique to them that make them good leaders. The type of characteristics that they possess depends upon the type of leader that they are. All schools have diverse needs and different leaders bring new ways to meet those needs. There are three categories of theory components and they are listed below.
- Characteristics of Educational Leaders: This concept includes the leadership traits, behaviors, and styles of the leader.
- Concepts of Educational Leaders: This includes the conceptual frameworks and struggles like leadership vs management.
- Practices of Educational Leaders: This includes the approach one takes in their leadership.
There are several different types of leaders in education. Many times, the leadership style that a particular school leader has is developed because of the need in that school. The following subsections will discuss authentic leaders, transformational leaders, servant leaders, distributed leaders, and transactional leaders.
Authentic Leader
An authentic leader is one that puts the goals of the school first. They are the leaders that show teachers and students who they really are, which allows for open and honest communication. They lead with passion and integrity, unafraid to do what they know is right for their teachers and students. They understand their strengths and weaknesses and are always working to become better leaders.
For example, Ms. Johnson is perceived as a principal who is not afraid to show who she really is. She puts the long-term goals of her school ahead of her own. She is considered to be an authentic leader.
Transformational Leader
A transformational leader is a leader who works to make changes. They look at the accepted practices and policies and determine what may need to be changed. They push their teachers and students to grow and learn new ways of thinking and teaching. They are always seeking to be better and do better for their school. They are motivational, and when positive change occurs it causes more and more people to support these leaders.
For example, Dr. Woods is admired as a university president. She has brought about many changes in her 20-year tenure including ending discriminatory practices and making university policies fairer to all. She is known as a transformational leader.
Servant Leader
A servant leader is one who helps others. They shift all of their focus to those that they lead, empowering them to become better. They do anything they can to serve and help others. This can be observed in a principal who encourages her teachers and shows them that they are appreciated. When a teacher is out with no sub, this principal may go into the classroom and teach that day. They may fill in for a janitor when he or she is out sick. They use every opportunity to serve others.
For example, Mr. Bridges took a position as a charter school director because he felt he could help others. It was never his intention to become a school leader, but he felt there was a need and he could help fill that need. He is considered to be a servant leader.
Distributed Leader
A distributed leadership involves responsibility being spread out among many positions. They share responsibility so that more expertise can be given to contribute to the overall quality of leadership. The leaders work together as a committee to make decisions for the school. This can be seen in leadership teams at schools where they come together to plan events for students, work to support teachers, and think of ways to help with outreach in their community.
For example, a school district in Alabama has leadership teams composed of principals, lead teachers, and campus content lead teachers who make decisions as a committee for the good of their students. This is known as distributive leadership.
Transactional Leader
Transactional leaders are those who work to keep the business running. They are straightforward and make sure that employees know what is expected of them. They place a focus on discipline and order so that everything runs smoothly and as planned.
For example, Dr. Del Campo is a superintendent of a large school district. He often focuses on disciplinary measures and incentives to keep his organization running smoothly. He has been successful but stakeholders feel he doesn't focus on long-term goals. He is known as a transactional leader.
One who works to serve, guide, and encourage educators to become more proficient and effective is known as an educational leader. Their purpose is to improve the quality of education that is being given. Principals, superintendents, and deans are examples of educational leaders. There are specific characteristics, concepts, and practices that give leaders their edge. There are different types of leaders in education. An authentic leader is one who leads with their heart, is not afraid to show who they really are, and puts the long-term goals of the school ahead of their own. A transformational leader is one who brings about change, like enacting policies that are fair for all. A servant leader is one who helps others. Distributive leadership involves a committee of leaders making decisions for the good of their students. Transactional leaders are leaders who work to keep the business running, placing a focus on discipline and order. They are often thought of as not focusing on long-term goals.
Video Transcript
Educational Leadership
An educational leader serves as a guide and influences other educators in an administrative setting. In some cases, it may be a team of educational leaders. Leaders in these executive roles work toward finding ways to improve learning and to improve the process of educating students. They serve in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions as well as early childhood education centers. School site leaders, directors, principals, and assistant administrators are employed to work either as the sole educational leader or in small teams. Typical positions for educational leaders in administrative settings are:
- Principal
- Superintendent
- Academic dean
- Director
- Head of school
- Department chair
- Provost, or
- President
Major Concepts and Theories
Educational leadership theories borrow from business management principles. In the United States and other developed nations, leadership models from the business world were adapted to fit the educational setting. Since schools and their communities are diverse and change over time, theories regarding the role and function of educational leaders have likewise been reformed and remodeled.
Researchers continue to investigate leadership in different educational settings. One style of leadership isn't better than another. Each is more or less effective based on the context of the setting in which a leader works. Environmental factors such as size, school culture, staff, and personalities dictate the most suitable leadership style.
Leadership Characteristics
Most theories of educational leadership refer to the type of leader or style of leader based on essential elements such as capabilities, practices, and approaches. Theory components are classified into three categories: characteristics, concepts, and practices of educational leaders. These three components help in understanding leadership types as a theory.
- Characteristics of educational leadership, which include behaviors, styles, and leadership traits
- Concepts of educational leadership, which include management vs. leadership, power, coercion, and conceptual frameworks; and
- Activities or practices of educational leaders, which include approaches or ways of leading
Through an understanding of these components, you can begin to understand yourself as an educational leader and understand the impact of leadership on student learning.
Leadership Theories
The authentic leader is self-aware, genuine, and leads with the heart. This type of leader puts the mission and goals of an educational institution above self-interests. Mrs. Ann, a principal, focuses on long-term results for the good of students and their learning. She isn't afraid to show emotions or vulnerability to connect with teachers, students, and parents. This makes her fit the profile of an authentic leader.
A transformational leader changes individuals and social systems. Positive change develops followers into leaders. Mr. Terry, a school director, improved morale, motivation, and performance by getting to know teachers well. He connected the mission and identity of the organization to each person's sense of identity. Teachers say he is a role model and inspires teachers, students, and other stakeholders in the school. Inspired teachers and motivated students have a positive impact on student learning and the norms of the school. These effects will likely outlive the tenure of this transformational leader as the changes he has made will continue on after he leaves.
Servant leaders help others first and build relationships; in this case with teachers, parents, and students. A servant leader cares less about the idea of being in charge. Instead, the servant leader focuses on student learning and other needs and serves for the good of each person, not just the educational institution. Mrs. Servy goes to work each day in her role as a department chair, thinking about how she can best give of herself to help students and the teachers she works with. She listens to teachers and does everything in her power to get them the materials and other resources they need to help their students succeed.
Distributed leaders share responsibilities with stakeholders instead of only with those in specific leadership roles. Dr. Daniels builds on the capacity of others to create change and bring about improvement in the university he leads. Expertise drawn from all levels of staff in the school is used to improve student learning, rather than relying on the formal leader. He isn't focused on his actions or any one person's actions. He believes good leadership is based on expertise instead of by a title or years of experience.
A transactional leader is concerned with business as usual. Mrs. Trade is focused on keeping her troubled school running. She uses motivational techniques such as disciplinary actions and incentives to motivate teachers and students to perform at their best. Her approach is, ''I give you something, and you do something for me in return.'' Transactional leadership is best when you only need to concern yourself with what is happening now due to environmental factors, and you cannot worry about what the future holds.
Lesson Summary
Let's take a couple of moments to review the important information that we've learned in this lesson about educational leadership concepts and theories. As an educational leader you'll serve as a leader in an administrative setting to guide and influence other educators. The question is will you lead as a authentic leader with a self-awareness and genuine sense of mission to improve long-term student learning?
Perhaps you'll be a transformational leader who improves morale and creates long lasting change that inspires stakeholders. You may be one who thinks about serving students and teachers first above everything else as a servant leader. Maybe you're more of a team-oriented spirit who acts in a distributed leadership model, building on the capacity of others to create change and bring about improvement. Lastly, you may operate as a transactional leader using motivational techniques to motivate teachers and students to perform at their best.
Sometimes leaders don't fit one of these molds but a variety. Understanding these theories will help you better understand yourself as a leader and will help you better serve the educational institution you lead.
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