Effectiveness of Distributed Leadership in Promoting Teacher Collaboration and Professional Development
Distributed leadership is a model where leadership responsibilities are shared among multiple members of an organization, rather than being concentrated in a single leader.
Distributed leadership is a model where leadership responsibilities are shared among multiple members of an organization, rather than being concentrated in a single leader. In the school system, this means teachers, administrators, and staff are encouraged to collaborate and share decision-making responsibilities. This model contrasts with traditional hierarchical leadership, where one principal or administrator makes most decisions.
💡 Lessons learnt: Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.
The values of distributed leadership comprise the capability to draw on various skills and points of view that help in devising more creative solutions as well as help with advances in teaching practice. Research supports the idea that distributed leadership positively impacts teacher collaboration and professional development, contributing to better student outcomes.
Evidence suggests that distributed leadership encourages teachers to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, which can enhance their sense of ownership and commitment to school initiatives. A study by Harris (2004) found that distributed leadership practices led to increased teacher collaboration, as teachers felt more empowered to share ideas and strategies.
The implementation of distributed leadership has been shown to create a more supportive environment for professional development. Teachers who are involved in leadership, are more likely to engage in continuous learning and development activities, as highlighted by a study conducted by Leithwood, Mascall, and Strauss (2009). This study revealed that schools with distributed leadership structures reported higher levels of professional development participation among teachers.
How Distributed Leadership Enhances Collaboration
Empowerment and Ownership
Distributed leadership enables teachers to lead, thus making them feel more responsible for school ventures and cooperative. As per the study by Spillane, Halverson, and Diamond (2004), schools with a distributed leadership structure had higher levels of teacher collaboration and engagement.
Sharing of Best Practices
The Distributed leadership model facilitates the sharing of best practices and innovative teaching strategies. Teachers collaborating under a shared leadership model, can learn from each other's experiences and apply new methods in their classrooms.(Heck and Hallinger , 2010)
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
Distributed leadership supports the formation and maintenance of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), where teachers regularly meet to discuss student progress, share resources, and plan instruction. PLCs are a powerful tool for fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. Schools with strong PLCs, supported by distributed leadership, experienced enhanced teacher collaboration and improved student outcomes.
A case study from a primary school in England where teachers were involved in decision-making processes and encouraged to take on leadership roles in various school initiatives reported they saw a significant increase in teacher collaboration.
Teachers formed subject-specific teams, regularly meeting to plan lessons, share resources, and discuss student progress. This collaborative approach led to the development of more cohesive and effective teaching strategies. Within two years, the school reported improved student performance and higher levels of teacher satisfaction and engagement (Harris & Spillane, 2008).
How Distributed Leadership Enhances Professional Development
Peer Support and Mentoring
Distributed leadership promotes a culture of peer support and mentoring, which is fundamental for professional development. Experienced teachers share their knowledge and skills with newer teachers, creating a collaborative learning environment. Studies found that distributed leadership models facilitated mentoring relationships and peer-led professional development initiatives (Smylie, Conley, and Marks, 2002).
Tailored Professional Development Programs
Schools with distributed leadership have an upper edge on how best to develop and roll out professional development programs most appropriate for their teachers. Involving teachers in the planning process ensures that professional development activities become relevant and practical for the teachers. A study by Harris and Jones (2010) revealed that teacher-led professional development programs gave better results in addressing the peculiar problems teachers encounter.
A middle school in the United States provides a good example of how distributed leadership can enhance professional development. The school established a leadership team consisting of teachers from various departments. This team was responsible for identifying professional development needs and organizing training sessions.
The leadership team initiated a series of workshops focused on integrating technology into the classroom. Teachers led these workshops, sharing their expertise and providing hands-on training to their colleagues. As a result, the school saw a significant improvement in the use of technology in teaching, leading to more engaging and effective lessons. Teachers reported feeling more confident and competent in their use of technology (Harris, 2013).
Adiutor
Adiutor means "helper" - we do just that, by taking a load of your school administration and helping you focus on what matters most: the kids.
References
Harris, A. (2004). Distributed Leadership and School Improvement. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 32(1), 11-24.
Leithwood, K., Mascall, B., & Strauss, T. (2009). Distributed Leadership According to the Evidence. Routledge.
Harris, A., & Spillane, J. (2008). Distributed Leadership Through the Looking Glass. Management in Education, 22(1), 31-34
Heck, R. H., & Hallinger, P. (2010). Testing a Longitudinal Model of Distributed Leadership Effects on School Improvement. Leadership Quarterly, 21(5), 867-885.
Spillane, J. P., Halverson, R., & Diamond, J. B. (2004). Towards a Theory of Leadership Practice: A Distributed Perspective. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 36(1), 3-34.
Stoll, L., Bolam, R., McMahon, A., Wallace, M., & Thomas, S. (2006). Professional Learning Communities: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Educational Change, 7(4), 221-258
Fullan, M., & Hargreaves, A. (2016). Bringing the Profession Back In: Call to Action. Journal of Professional Capital and Community, 1(1), 1-19.
Harris, A., & Jones, M. (2010). Professional Learning Communities and System Improvement. Improving Schools, 13(2), 172-181.
Harris, A. (2013). Distributed Leadership: Friend or Foe? Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 41(5), 545-554.
Smylie, M. A., Conley, S., & Marks, H. M. (2002). Exploring New Approaches to Teacher Leadership for School Improvement. Yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education, 101(1), 162-188