Living Academic Research
Dr. Edsel B. Clark
The Influence of the Principal as Servant Leader on School Climate
Perceived by Teachers in a Large Midwestern School District
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Dr. Edsel B. Clark
Title: Principal Consultant, What If Schools, LLC Research Topic: The Influence of the Principal as Servant Leader on School Climate as Perceived by Teachers in a Large Midwestern School District Institution: Aurora University Committee Chair: Dr. Joan Fee Abstract: This study is a quantitative investigation into the impact of principal leadership on school climate. Specifically, the role Greenleaf’s Servant Leadership characteristics play on school climate, as characterized by the Charles F. Kettering, School Climate Profile. Numerous researchers have found that leadership plays an important role in many aspects of the school with the principal fulfilling that primary leadership role. Research studies have identified a positive school climate as being associated with increased job satisfaction, student safety, and overall student academic achievement. |
@edselclark
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BioEdsel now holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Administration, having earned his doctorate in 2011 through Aurora University. He is an experienced educator who has worked tirelessly to reduce the opportunity and achievement gap through the NCLB era of accountability and has led in the successful implementation of Common Core aligned curriculum and programs for school districts ranging in size from 1200 to over 30,000 students. Edsel was responsible for leadership of curriculum as well as facilities and operations. He has since served in a number of roles as a district leader, including the Director of Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.
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ScholarshipEdsel is currently the Founder and CEO of myOWNedu, an educational technology company devoted to closing the opportunity gap through transformed parent engagement (www.myOWNedu.net). He is also the owner and principal consultant for What If Schools– a consultancy firm committed helping schools and technology companies bring better EdTech to students. Edsel is passionate about the impact that education can have on students, families and communities.
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AbstractThis study utilized a representative sample of 260 certified school staff members from a large unit school district. The sample completed an electronic survey consisting of 64–statements regarding the staff member’s perception of the principal and the climate of the school. Correlational and multiple regression analyses were performed. The study revealed a strong positive, statistically significant correlation between Servant Leadership and school climate. Various components of Servant Leadership were analyzed for their impact on the eight categories of school climate. This additional analysis yielded unexpected results and identified characteristics of Servant Leadership that contributed negatively to certain aspects of school climate. This study concludes with the implications for practitioners, specifically school principals, as well as those who hire, evaluate, and provide professional development for school principals. Conclusions are summarized with added insights for further areas of investigation in this subject matter.
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The Unexpected
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