A New Paradigm of Teaching and Learning – The Motivational Teacher Leader

Educational leadership is characterized by a vertical structure, with the school principal at the top as a symbol of authority and expertize. If a distribution of power is encouraged from this formal position, educators can take on teacher leadership roles that have an impact both on the professional community and the students. The study identifies the traits of a teacher leader, who extends their influence outside the classroom and fosters a horizontal leadership model, similar to a network. In order to answer the question What type of leadership motivates students to learn? the study makes use of a questionnaire which is based on five leadership styles identified in the specialized literature. The objective is to demonstrate that effective teacher leaders combine traits from multiple leadership styles, depending on the characteristics and needs of each class, so that they inspire and motivate students to learn. The results of the questionnaire indicate that a motivational teacher leader transforms the classroom into a learning community, defined by critical thinking, the freedom to be creative and to make mistakes, as part of the learning process. In addition to imparting knowledge and direction, such a leader also offers confidence, advice and vision, and shows care for their students.