The Impact of Senior School Leaders in Empowering Middle Leaders to Support Teachers' Performance: A Case Study in a Private School in Dubai
Loading...
Date
2024-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
Middle leadership in UAE schools is essential, serving as a bridge between senior leaders and teachers. This research highlights the crucial, often underappreciated role of middle leaders in school management and educational initiatives. Their direct interaction with teachers allows them to significantly influence teaching practices, support professional development, and enhance student outcomes. Empowering middle leaders is key to driving sustainable school improvement and fostering a positive learning environment. Conducted in a private school in Dubai, UAE, this study involved 100 educators and 12 middle leaders, selected for its diverse educational environment and emphasis on middle leadership. Using a mixed-methods approach with surveys and semi-structured questionnaires, the research identifies significant challenges faced by educators. The findings underscore the need for targeted professional development and initiatives aimed at empowerment, nurturing, and accountability among middle leaders. The study explores the impact of senior leaders' empowerment on middle leaders, enhancing teacher effectiveness and the learning environment. It assesses the effectiveness of senior leaders in empowering middle leaders through training, support, and mentorship, and investigates teachers' perceptions of middle leaders' contributions. The study aims to fill gaps in existing research by examining the relationships between middle leadership empowerment and senior leadership-supported development, revealing mechanisms through which middle leaders positively influence teacher effectiveness. The research identifies best practices for empowering middle leaders and enhancing their impact on teacher performance. While the study's focus on a single school in Dubai limits its generalisability, it provides valuable insights and a foundation for future research in broader educational contexts.
Description
Keywords
middle leadership, senior leadership, teacher performance, empowerment