Leadership Behaviors of Teachers in Classroom and School

Abstract

Leadership is clearly becoming a more and more significant part of a teacher’s professional life. This research was carried out in order to determine the leadership behaviours of teachers in schools. The data related to the research problem had been collected by literature review and interviews. The questionnaires were distributed to 25 school principals and 65 teachers working at primary and secondary schools in three cities of Turkey. Having accepted the interview, 10 principals and 20 teachers were interviewed face-to-face in their schools. The answers were controlled one by one and the thoughts shared by majority of the participants were added to the findings. It is stated that teachers working at primary and secondary schools show the leadership behaviours and roles such as determining the goals, encouraging voluntary study and task, developing trust and vision, and determination at an “intermediate” level. Similarly, teachers also perceive themselves in accordance with the ideas of the managers. In this research, the willingness of teachers to educate and develop themselves are found at a high level, yet their behaviours are found insufficient. Teacher meetings, student club studies, celebration activities and parents’ assemblies are among the activities which teachers participate in at the school level. The programs of teacher training are required to be revised again and in this context teacher leadership concept and understanding are required to be reflected to the programs. In this context, activities supporting learning, development and enterprising should be organized and encouraged in classroom and schoo