The role of school leadership in challenging times

Key messages:

1. In times of crisis effective leaders draw on a toolkit of skills and approaches, which are reactive and proactive.
2. Effective leaders prioritise open communication and proactively triage and manage threats to their community.
3. Successful school leaders leverage expertise and experience from multiple stakeholders to facilitate transition from a crisis.
4. Effective leadership involves working collaboratively to transform and build back better.
5. Leaders support the wellbeing of their school community, while maintaining their own health and wellbeing.

Introduction/why read:

The role of school leadership in challenging times highlights the critical role that leadership plays in steering communities through uncertainty, crisis and ambiguity. Drawing on evidence from previous crises, this Spotlight explores how school leaders provide clarity and direction, build resilience and instil hope while remaining focused on the best possible outcomes for students and school communities.

With challenges ranging from environmental disasters to economic, social and emotional devastation, school leaders are often required to adapt quickly to rapidly changing situations. This Spotlight summarises the evidence base of leadership required during challenging times and examines the practices of successful leadership through uncertainty. By focusing on effective leadership skills, open communication, wellbeing and context, this research offers valuable insights for teachers and school leaders seeking to understand how leadership can support teaching and learning during challenging times.