Blog 6: The Effectiveness Of Servant Leadership In Schools

I. Introduction

What is a servant leader? Servant leadership is an approach that focuses on meeting the needs of others. Servant leaders prioritize these needs while fostering a positive and productive organizational culture. As the educational system's challenges become increasingly complex, school principals and district leaders seek effective ways to address these issues. The servant leadership approach provides educational leaders a framework for navigating these challenges and finding solutions.

The political landscape is creating additional challenges that are heightening anxiety among educational leaders. These leaders must manage this increased stress to ensure schools operate smoothly and effectively. According to ACSA's official newspaper, "In politically charged environments, where stress and anxiety levels may be heightened, servant leaders play a crucial role in maintaining a supportive atmosphere" (March 2025).

One significant issue is the recent U.S. Department of Education workforce cuts implemented by the current administration. This situation is causing considerable stress and anxiety among educational leaders nationwide. The administration's policies have led to protests and walkouts across the country, and many employees are choosing to resign or retire voluntarily. The cuts to K-12 federal funding will substantially impact students and their families, as many rely on this financial support.

To navigate the current political climate, district leaders and principals must adopt a leadership approach that effectively addresses these challenges. Employing a servant leadership model can help our educational leaders tackle the social and political issues we face.

In this blog, I will discuss servant leadership, its impact on school culture, its effect on teacher morale, its influence on student achievement, and the challenges and solutions for implementing it.

II. What is Servant Leadership?

One reason for the widespread pain and suffering worldwide is the prevalent use of the power leadership model. Many view leadership as a means to gain and exert power. However, a far superior model exists: the service model. This approach focuses not on acquiring and exercising power but on positively impacting the lives of others. Servant leaders embody this service model. Instead of seeking power and wealth for themselves, they concentrate on recognizing and fulfilling the needs of others.

Larry C. Spears, in the Journal of Virtues & Leadership, quotes Greenleaf’s statement: “The servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then, conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The best test is: do those served grow as persons? While being served, do they become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, and more likely to become servants? And what is the effect on the least privileged in society? Will they benefit, or at least not be further deprived?” (Greenleaf, 1977/2002, p. 27).

The prevalence of the power model of leadership, which often prioritizes authority, control, and dominance over collaboration and empathy, contributes to the pervasive pain and suffering experienced today. This power-centric approach is deeply ingrained in many societies, leading those in leadership positions to believe their primary role is to gain and exert power over others. Such beliefs foster environments where fear, competition, and inequality thrive, ultimately resulting in emotional and psychological distress among those who feel oppressed or marginalized. The consequences of this model are far-reaching and can create a cycle of pain perpetuating itself across generations.

In contrast, the service model of leadership shifts the focus from self-interest to the well-being of others, emphasizing positive impacts on individuals and communities. Servant leaders prioritize the growth and empowerment of others, fostering trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. They listen actively to team members, creating a supportive environment encourages innovation. This leadership style is characterized by serving with humility and compassion, promoting community and interconnectedness. Leaders can reduce conflict and cultivate empathy by focusing on service and encouraging teamwork toward common goals. 

A service-oriented mindset enhances societal well-being and transforms perceptions of power and influence, promoting healing and growth. Servant leadership is an impactful approach that emphasizes the needs of others, fosters positive cultures, and encourages collaboration and teamwork.

III. The Impact of Servant Leadership on School Culture

Servant leadership is vital in fostering a positive school climate and is essential for students' and educators' overall development and success. This leadership style emphasizes serving others and prioritizing the needs of students, teachers, and the wider school community. Doing so creates an environment where individuals feel valued and empowered, leading to increased stakeholder engagement.

When school leaders adopt a servant leadership approach, they actively listen to the concerns and aspirations of their staff and students, fostering open communication and trust. This collaborative atmosphere encourages teamwork and shared decision-making, ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping the educational experience.

Moreover, servant leadership promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity, which is crucial for academic achievement. In a supportive environment where students and teachers collaborate, they are more likely to engage in meaningful learning experiences, take risks in their education, and strive for excellence. Research has shown that schools characterized by strong servant leadership often see improved student outcomes, as students become more motivated and teachers commit more significantly to their professional roles. 

The International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research for Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence conducted a study. They discovered “that when leaders prioritize the needs of their staff, it creates an environment conducive to personal and professional growth. The findings indicate that adopting servant leadership practices can significantly enhance school performance and culture. Schools can build a supportive atmosphere where educators and students thrive by empowering teachers and encouraging collaborative efforts. This approach improves job satisfaction among teachers and positively impacts student outcomes, reinforcing the notion that leadership styles directly influence the overall educational experience. In light of these insights, it is evident that schools seeking to enhance their performance and culture should consider integrating servant leadership principles into their leadership frameworks. Implementing these practices can lead to a more inclusive and productive environment, benefiting all stakeholders. As educational institutions navigate the complexities of modern challenges, embracing servant leadership may be a key strategy for fostering a thriving school community.” Volume 1, Issue No. 10 (2024)

In summary of this section, servant leadership principles enhance interpersonal relationships within the school and contribute to a more positive and productive educational atmosphere. Ultimately, this leads to higher academic success and personal growth for everyone involved.

IV. Servant Leadership and Teacher Morale

Various factors can significantly impact teacher morale, and this study will focus on a few key elements that shape the overall atmosphere in educational environments.

One major factor is increased workload, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout among educators. This makes it challenging for teachers to maintain a positive outlook on their profession. Poor working conditions, such as inadequate resources, lack of support, and unwelcoming physical environments, further exacerbate stress levels and diminish job satisfaction.

Another essential factor is parental interference, ranging from overly critical feedback to unrealistic expectations regarding student performance. Such interference can create tension between teachers and parents, leading to frustration and isolation for educators who may feel unsupported in classroom management.

Violence in schools, including physical altercations among students or threats to teacher safety, is a pressing concern that can generate an atmosphere of fear and anxiety. This environment makes it difficult for teachers to focus on their primary role of educating students, ultimately leading to a decline in morale as they feel that their safety and well-being are compromised.

Excessive changes to the curriculum can also contribute to instability and uncertainty within the teaching profession. Frequent shifts in educational standards and expectations may leave teachers feeling unprepared and anxious, as they are often required to adapt their teaching methods and materials without adequate training or resources. This constant state of flux can undermine their confidence and enthusiasm for teaching.

Finally, poor school discipline significantly disrupts the learning environment and negatively impacts teacher morale. When students are not held accountable for their behavior, it can lead to chaotic classrooms where teachers struggle to maintain order and focus on instruction. This lack of discipline can result in frustration and a sense of helplessness among educators, contributing to a decline in morale.

Educational leaders must address these issues, as teacher morale directly affects student achievement. In the journal "The Potential for Servant Leadership to Raise Teacher Morale in Primary Schools: Perspectives from South Africa," Roseline Makirimani and Suraiya Rathankoomar Naicker discussed the consequences of teachers not receiving support from leadership: “Teachers claim that principals do not support them in their work, and they feel neglected by the government and principals” (Makgato & Mudzanani, 2019). Despite the Department of Basic Education (DBE) addressing challenges in South African schools, the education system still faces a mass exodus of teachers each year (Nkosi, 2020). Questions about how teachers are doing and how their morale may be improved are often overlooked (Moloantoa & Geyer, 2021). The morale of staff is the responsibility of leaders (Dangmei & Singh, 2017), and principals play a crucial role in improving teacher morale (Gelizon et al., 2016). Additionally, leadership style remains one of the most common characteristics influencing morale (Johnson, 2021; Makoelle & Makhalemele, 2020).

Therefore, poor school discipline creates a complex landscape that significantly influences teacher morale. When students exhibit disruptive behaviors, it hampers the learning environment and burdens teachers striving to maintain order and focus in their classrooms. This situation can lead to frustration and helplessness among educators, who may feel ill-equipped to handle the challenges of unruly behavior. Furthermore, the lack of adequate discipline policies can create an atmosphere of unpredictability, making teachers unsure of how to address issues as they arise. Consequently, teachers may experience a decline in overall job satisfaction, which can ultimately affect their performance and dedication to their roles.

In schools where discipline is consistently poor, educators might spend an inordinate amount of time managing behavioral issues rather than engaging in meaningful instruction. This shift in focus can lead to burnout and disillusionment as teachers become increasingly aware that their passion for teaching is being overshadowed by the need to address disciplinary problems constantly. Moreover, the impact of poor discipline extends beyond individual teachers; it can create a ripple effect throughout the entire school community. Teachers may feel isolated in their struggles, leading to poor collaboration and support among colleagues. This isolation can exacerbate discouragement and decrease morale, as educators think they are navigating these challenges alone. In essence, the interplay between poor school discipline and teacher morale is a critical issue that warrants attention, as it affects not only teachers but ultimately, the entire educational environment. 

ASCA Educational California (2025) https://edcal.acsa.org/news-briefs-3-17-25

Sage Journals (2024) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21582440241296634#bibr60-21582440241296634

Regent University (2010) Journal of Virtues & Leadership  https://www.regent.edu/journal/journal-of-virtues-leadership/character-and-servant-leadership-ten-characteristics-of-effective-caring-leaders/#:~:text=This%20article%20examines%20a%20set,of

The International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research for Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence (2024) https://risejournals,org/index.php/imjrise