What does the term "transformational leadership" mean in an educational context?

In the educational context, transformational leadership refers to a leadership approach that focuses on inspiring and motivating both educators and students to achieve higher levels of performance and personal growth. Transformational leaders foster an environment where individuals feel empowered and engaged, encouraging innovation and collaboration within the educational setting. They promote a strong vision for the future and work to align the interests of staff and students with institutional goals.

This style of leadership is characterized by its emphasis on vision, inspiration, and the development of a strong school culture where everyone is committed to learning and improvement. By doing so, transformational leaders are able to initiate meaningful change that enhances both academic outcomes and the overall well-being of the school community. Their approach stands in contrast to more traditional leadership styles that may focus on maintaining the status quo, administrative tasks, or strict management of performance metrics without fostering intrinsic motivation or collaboration among team members.