CONNECTING TEACHER LEADERSHIP AND SERVANT LEADERSHIP: A SYNERGISTIC PARTNERSHIP

Abstract

This paper explores the literature on teacher leadership and servant leadership; identifying connections and similarities between the two. Using the ten characteristics of servant leaders developed by Spears (2010), the characteristics and behaviours of teacher leaders and servant leaders are compared. Through this exploration a number of implications are reviewed, which in turn lead to recommendations going forward. These include how servant leadership can strengthen and inform teacher leadership by its inclusion in teacher leadership educational programs thus pointing to the possibility of a synergistic partnership.