A Social Network Study of Teacher Influence Through the Lens of Transformational Leadership

• In Event: Park Central Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Principal and Teacher Influence in Leadership

Abstract

It has been widely suggested that it is no longer possible for the principal to lead a school as an instructional leader and competent manager absent the partnership of faculty and staff. This research investigates how to more broadly define teacher leadership liberating it from its reliance on specific district/school assigned roles to include the belief that all teachers are capable of leadership. Our research argues that a social network analysis of the nature of teacher influence, grounded in transformational leadership theory, offers a framework for understanding how professional teacher interactions in communities of practice build social capital and support the diffusion of knowledge and expertise, and ultimately are responsible for the success of organizational change.

Authors

• Deborah Shea, The Sage Colleges

• M. Jacqueline Visser, Binghamton University - SUNY