Putting Followers First

Abstract

In this article, we apply the theory of servant leadership to qualitative data of 18 urban, K-12 public school principals noted as instructional leaders. We found that servant leadership, enacted through a concern for teachers’ learning growth, and well-being, guided the thoughts and actions of 83% of the participants. Grounded in Spears’ (2002) conceptual framework for servant leadership, we share participants’ cases exemplifying servant leadership by highlighting their perspectives and actions toward their followers (i.e., teachers/staff). In light of teacher turnover and dissatisfaction, we argue that servant leadership holds promise for the practice of leadership within the context of today's schools.

Keywords

Servant Leadership Principals Leadership Teachers’ Professional Growth

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