Thinking About Principalship
by David Stewart
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Overview
In this article, originally developed for the First-Time Principals Induction Programme (2002), David Stewart explores the link between effective principalship and school cultures that supports learning. He overviews the work of a number of theorists who argue that successful leadership stems from a particular form of school culture – one where schools are perceived as 'communities' rather than 'organisations'. He looks particularly at the differences between transactional and transformational leadership – with an emphasis on the role of the principal in transforming the school culture.
The article covers:
- The crucial role of the principal
- A school development approach
- The concept of community
- Establishment of a learning community
- Principals’ responsibilities.
Reflective questions
These reflective questions might assist your reading of this article:
- David Stewart sets out Sergiovanni’s outline of cultures that are transactional or transformational. Where does your school sit along the continuum between the two?
- What broad strategies or actions might help a school which has a focus on being an organisation to become one that focuses on being a community?
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