The international debate on education and teacher leadership and its relevance to teacher unions

Analysis of the current international literature on educational leadership can assist teacher unions, school districts and others to better understand the diversity of approaches to leadership, the skills involved, the organizational and systemic implications of initiating new approaches, as well as to consider how, individually or collectively, leadership can be developed, fostered, and challenge [...] The impact of leadership styles on teachers is 3 considerable, and it is therefore worth the time and effort to better understand leadership concepts in order to influence leadership directions. [...] Building positive and professional relationships is not an end in itself but a means to use leadership to maximize the effectiveness of educational systems to meet the needs of all learners and to build and maintain a democratic society. [...] The implication, largely supported by the teacher development and school improvement literature, is that organizational change and development are enhanced when leadership is broad-based and where teachers have opportunities to collaborate and to actively engage in change and innovation. [...] Spillane addresses the issue of the dynamics between leaders and followers in ways that both define and build leadership: Leadership is not simply something that is done to followers; followers in interaction with leaders and the situation contribute to defining leadership practices.