We Can Do This! Transformational Leadership for School Improvement

This case involves transformational leadership intersecting with adult learning principles within the context of an elementary school whose staff are complacent with a pattern of low student achievement. Transformational leadership entails inspiring followers toward intrinsic motivation, committing to larger organizational purposes, and often exceeding leadership expectations (Bass, 1985; Mason et al., 2014; Northouse & Lee, 2019). Educator professional learning that impacts student achievement should be collaborative, connected to teachers’ daily work, embedded throughout the year, and actively engaging (Learning Forward, 2020). In this case, Jenn Turley, the new principal at Susan B. Anthony Elementary School, leverages professional learning in order to support faculty and student performance.