Exploring the Impact of Teacher Leadership on Academic Achievement and Personal Development: A Study of Secondary School Students in Chennai

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of teacher leadership traits on student success, specifically focusing on academic achievement, motivation, and self-esteem. The primary objective is to understand the relationship between educators' leadership qualities and the personal and academic development of students. Utilizing a correlational research design, data were collected from 400 participants, comprising 100 students and 40 teachers from secondary schools in Chennai. The research employed questionnaires and self-assessment tools to measure teacher leadership traits alongside student outcomes. Key leadership traits analyzed include problem- solving skills, communication, creativity, and self-management, with a focus on their impact on student performance. Findings indicate that 58% of teachers exhibited high levels of leadership abilities, revealing a significant positive correlation between teacher leadership traits and student motivation and self-esteem. Students instructed by teachers with strong leadership skills demonstrated higher academic achievement and better self-assessment scores compared to those taught by teachers with lower leadership capabilities. The study underscores the importance of fostering leadership qualities in educators as a strategy for enhancing student success. The implications for educational practice are substantial, suggesting that teacher training programs should prioritize leadership development to improve student outcomes. The study concludes by recommending future research avenues, such as longitudinal studies and investigations in diverse educational contexts, to further explore the long-term and contextual effects of teacher leadership on student success.