Teacher Leadership Perceptions in Turkish Culture: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reveal the perceptions of school administrators, teachers, students and parents on characteristics as well as attitudes and behaviours of teacher leaders. Phenomenological research design from qualitative rmethods was employed in this study. The participants were selected from school administrators, teachers, students and parents through maximum diversity sampling method. Data analyses relied on content analyses technique. The findings of the study showed that school administrators and teachers attribute some traits, such as being knowledgeable and leader to teacher leaders, whereas students attach more importance to being reliable, fair and egalitarian. Parents, on the other hand, consider teachers who are friendly and impressive as leaders. It was found in the study that teacher leaders enhance the student learning, become role models and advocate strong collaboration with colleagues. As a result, it can be said that teacher leaders are those having the potential to attract others to follow him / her.