Transformational Leadership in Education

Leadership in My School

In my school, I notice many leadership theories in practice. I see Transformational Leadership, which is about inspiring and motivating (Cahyono et al., 2020). In my school setting, our principal applies this style when sharing a vision for the school\'s future to get everyone onboard, including teachers and students. I also see Transactional Leadership, which operates basically on a system of rewards and penalties (Quinn, 2023). Our school rewards teachers with bonuses for achieving high student test scores and penalizes them for underperformance, so this is indicative of this leadership style in action.

However, the leadership theory that I think would apply the most benefit would be servant leadership, because this is the one that really provides a one-on-one focus, and when others benefit from this they can pass it on and pay it forward. I think the best way to spread leadership is through this approach, because it helps individuals to become the best possible version of themselves. They then become leaders and do the same for others. It is a self-reinforcing approach that could be good for schools and communities. For a school, it is a good way for students to feel supported. In the community, it is a good way to set the example for others.