The Missing Piece in Teacher Preparation Programs: Leadership Education
Dr. Stephanie S. TeKippe; Dr. Kelly Krogh Faga

Abstract
Educational leadership is commonly overlooked in undergraduate teacher preparation programs. This study examines the role of leadership education in preparing beginning teachers for a successful student teaching experience. Successful student teaching experiences are key to developing future teachers and keeping effective teachers in the classroom. This case study enabled researchers to examine the student teaching experience from the viewpoint of students and observers to understand the impact of the experience in relation to leadership. The researchers found leadership traits described by participants closely related to high self-efficacy and professionalism characteristics, which are predictors for successful beginning teachers. Including leadership in teacher preparation programs can develop and prepare new teachers for a successful beginning experience, therefore lowering teacher attrition.

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