An integrated model of principal transformational leadership and teacher leadership that is related to teacher self-efficacy and student academic performance

Using an integrated school leadership framework, this research intended to investigate 1.whether and to what extent transformational leadership could leverage teacher leadership; 2 the integrated effects of principal transformational leadership and teacher leadership on teacher self-efficacy and student academic performance. This study used a two-stage stratified sampling approach and collected the complex survey data in one Chinese province. Researchers employed a rigorous three-level Structural Equation Model to investigate multi-dimensional relationships among the aforementioned variables. The results suggest that principal transformational leadership is significantly and positively related to teacher leadership. Meanwhile, principal transformational leadership and teacher leadership are both positively related to teacher self-efficacy, but only teacher leadership is positively related to student learning. This study adds nuanced and international evidence and provides a practical framework to improve schools by involving teacher leaders through principal transformational leadership.