Women School Leadership: The Catalytic Style in Developing Guidance and School Members' Well-Being in Facing Global Pandemic

Abstract

This article investigates how women principals practise their leadership to address the global pandemic challenges encountered by the Islamic-based junior high schools or Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs). The study examines the key behaviours and practices school leaders implement to address the global pandemic challenges. Some challenges in the global pandemic, including learning management, developing an online curriculum, school facilities, and teacher performance, were indicated to hinder the learning effectiveness in MTs. The madrasah principals, the top-level leaders in the institutions, play a critical role in addressing these issues. This research utilized a multiple case study approach and collected qualitative data from six MTs in Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi. An in-depth interview with 18 participants was conducted to investigate principal leadership practices. The findings revealed that principals displayed a catalytic leadership approach through an agent of change where school members and stakeholders are invited to change the curriculum system and performance to respond to the challenges in the global pandemic. The results of this study also indicate that most female principals prioritize the well-being of teachers and students in facing learning challenges in the pandemic era.