TEACHER-LEADERSHIP: EXPERIENCED AND PERCEIVED BY TEACHERS OF PIAPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (KEY IJP************517)

• Mary Criz M. Bade

Abstract

Abstract This research employed a qualitative method based on individual interviews of teachers. This study determines the ability of the classroom teachers of becoming teacher-leaders in Piape Elementary School in Piape, Padada, Davao del Sur. This study aimed to explore and characterize proficient teachers as teacher-leaders. The concept of teacher leadership still struggles to thrive in school organizations. This paper has highlighted two phenomena that make it a challenge for teacher leadership to blossom: one is the traditional principal-oriented nature of leadership that is heavily entrenched to its system and second, the lack of leadership training and the teacher classification that they follow. The school can also foster teacher leadership through the determined themes - initiative and independence, partnership engagement and teamwork, and positive school environment. This study can also be a subject for further research to analyze if there is a significant difference between these types of leadership behavior, and use the same method and instrument but is implemented in a larger population. These conditions critically limit the role that teachers play in the school. With the recent educational reform, wherein K-12 curriculum was adopted, this study suggests that the application of teacher leadership in the local context can potentially make a significant contribution in shaping the culture of their schools, advancing student learning, and influencing practice among their peers. Keywords: Proficient teacher, teacher-leader, public elementary school, teacher leadership, principal, K-12 curriculum