ETL504 has changed my perception of leadership and the role of the teacher librarian (TL) in a school organisation. I have recently taken up a TL position, and this subject has led me to consider the different leadership styles and the kind of leader that I aspire to be as I embark on my new career. Prior to studying this subject, I had an understanding of the TL’s role in supporting and collaborating with staff and students. However, I had never previously considered the TL as a leader. For me the lines of leadership and management were blurred, and I perceived leadership as being a top-down managerial process only performed by those with formal titles (Templeton, 2021, March 1). I have come to understand that leadership is defined by an individual’s social influence rather than power or authority (Kruse, 2013).

Studying this subject has provided me with a sound understanding of the different styles of leadership and I have been able to see examples of the merits and limitations of each in my own educational setting. Whilst there are many different leadership styles and much literature published on leadership theory, it is clear that there is not just one perfect style of leadership. Rather, effective leaders need to demonstrate flexibility and adapt their leadership style to different situations and different followers (Upton, July 23).

TLs typically occupy a middle leadership position in an organisation, as they operate at the intersection of the Executive staff, teaching staff and students. They have a unique overview of the organisation and can use their influence in this position to bridge classroom practices with whole-school strategy. Often the TL adopts a servant leadership style which focuses on the needs of followers above personal aspirations (Crippen & Willows, 2019). This leadership style is successful in fostering growth in students and staff, building a strong school community and increasing trust in the TL within a school (Lawrence, 2024) but it is ultimately based upon the empowerment of others, and this limits the TL’s role to a facilitator of change rather than the driver of change.

My new-found knowledge of leadership theory will profoundly inform my future practice as a TL. It has emboldened me to act intentionally, collaboratively and strategically to lead change in my school. Schools are places of constant change and TLs are often at the forefront. By adopting a transformational leadership style, TLs can guide others with “confidence, empathy and purpose” (Toscan, October 7) through the myriad changes of rapid technological innovation, new pedagogies and curriculum updates. Through my studies of change management, I understand the importance of transformational leaders actively managing change by inspiring their colleagues to work collaboratively towards a shared vision. Through transformational leadership the TL can use their strengths of collaboration and communication to build trust and empower staff, who were initially resistant to change, to see themselves as part of the change process (Barlow, September 3). The study of ETL504 has changed my perception of leadership and the role of the TL as leader significantly. TLs need to ensure that they do not operate in isolation from the school’s strategic direction in teaching and learning. An effective transformational TL will align their leadership style to the evolving needs of the school community and be a key driver of school improvement.

References

Crippen, C., & Willows, J. (2019). Connecting teacher leadership and servant leadership: a synergistic partnership. Journal of Leadership Education, 18(2), 171-180. https://doi.org/10.12806/V18/I2/T4

Kruse, K. (2013). What is leadership? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2013/04/09/what-is-leadership/?sh=3bcbe1115b90

Lawrence, E. (2024). The role of leadership styles in shaping educational organisational culture and performance. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386459227_The_Role_of_Leadership_Styles_in_Shaping_Educational_Organizational_Culture_and_Performance

Templeton, T. (2021, March 1). The action of leading a group of people or organisation. Trish’s trek into bookspace: a journey of discovery to beyond the cover of a book. https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/trish/2021/03/01/leadership-the-beginning-of-etl504/