Abstract
ABSTRACT
Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the leadership skills essential to develop for elementary school students at each grade level according to the perspective of elementary school teachers.
Methodology. This study utilized a qualitative case study research design. The researcher used a purposeful sampling method to select elementary teachers to inform this study’s research focus. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with 12 elementary school teachers who worked at the school site for a minimum of 3 years.
Findings. The study identified six major themes and findings related to the development of essential leadership skills for elementary students: (a) communication and active listening, (b) collaboration with peers, (c) learning responsibility through opportunities, (d) task organization and problem solving, (e) a growth mindset, and (f) modeling within a classroom. Although the study set out to identify leadership skills by grade level, findings through data analysis showed the six essential leadership skills should be developed at each grade level in K–fifth.
Conclusions. The study results found the essential leadership skills needed to develop for elementary students. According to teachers’ perspectives, the earlier these skills are developed in elementary school, the more favorable it is for student success. This study also found elementary teachers utilizing cooperative learning methods to develop leadership skills for elementary students at each grade level.
Recommendations. As children spend the most formative years of their lives in school, teachers will continue to impact student performance and success significantly. Therefore, elementary teachers must continue to engage in professional development and training on leadership skills identified in this study. Also, school districts need to demonstrate a continued commitment to providing teachers the support and training necessary to help them develop leadership skills for students. Researchers must continue to explore how developing leadership skills early at the elementary level will impact student success. Further research could include utilizing various qualitative methods repeating the study in other settings and identifying strategies and processes to support leadership development in elementary schools.