Why school leaders should adopt servant leadership

www.acsa.org

March 17, 2025

The following article was written by Oscar Macias, assistant superintendent, Instructional Services at Burbank Unified School District.

It has been a long year these last two months! The first two months of 2025 have been marked by significant upheaval as the nation adjusts to the new president and his administration. School principals and district leaders are grappling with major challenges, particularly student protests and walkouts in response to the administration’s new immigration policies. These policies have generated widespread fear and concern among students and their families, leading to heightened anxiety and uncertainty. Many students are worried about the potential for increased immigration enforcement at schools, while parents fear for their children’s safety and the possibility of family separations. Additionally, rumors and misinformation have exacerbated these fears, causing some families to keep their children home from school. The emotional strain on teachers, school principals and district leaders, who strive to maintain a supportive and inclusive environment amidst these political tensions, has been immense.

The current political climate has K-12 school and district leaders facing other challenges in policy changes, such as funding uncertainties, and increasing divisiveness of diversity, equity and inclusion despite the obvious need for it. To effectively navigate these conditions, many educational leaders are turning to the servant leadership approach. This article examines how the principles of servant leadership are being utilized to tackle these challenges, emphasizing the importance of building trust, advocating for equity, supporting mental health, adapting to change and promoting ethical leadership. It also examines servant leadership strategies to help foster a nurturing and cooperative atmosphere.

What is servant leadership Focus: Primarily on serving others. Key principles: Empathy, listening, stewardship and commitment to the growth of people. Goal: To empower and uplift team members, ensuring their needs are met so they can perform at their best. Approach: Leaders prioritize the well-being and development of their team members, often putting their needs above their own.

Building trust and community A fundamental aspect of servant leadership is the cultivation of trust and the promotion of a sense of community. In a time of political polarization, educational leaders focus on establishing inclusive and supportive environments. By actively listening to the concerns of students, teachers and parents, servant leaders develop strong relationships and encourage collaboration. This strategy helps to counteract the divisive nature of political tensions, fostering a cohesive school community.

For instance, in districts facing significant political debates over curriculum issues, servant leaders initiate open dialogues with educational stakeholders to gain insights into varying viewpoints. They organize forums and workshops that facilitate respectful discussions, bridging divides and fostering consensus. This inclusive methodology not only reinforces community ties but also ensures that educational policies align with the needs and values of the entire school community.

Advocating for equity Servant leaders are resolute in addressing the pervasive issue of educational inequities, which stem from the uneven allocation of opportunities and resources, ultimately leading to disparities in academic achievement, learning experiences and future prospects. They are dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. This commitment involves championing policies that prioritize fairness and inclusivity, such as:

Equitable funding to address resource disparities.
Diverse hiring practices to reflect the cultural diversity of the student population.
Culturally responsive teaching approaches to meet the unique needs of all students.

In the face of political challenges, such as debates over school funding and resource allocation, servant leaders take a proactive stance. They collaborate with policymakers, community organizations and other educational partners to advocate for the equitable distribution of resources. By presenting data-driven arguments and highlighting the needs of underserved communities, they work to secure the necessary support for all students. Supporting mental health

The increasing awareness of mental health issues among students and staff has prompted educational leaders to prioritize well-being. Servant leaders recognize the importance of a healthy learning environment and implement programs to support mental health. This includes providing access to counseling services, training staff to identify and address mental health concerns, and creating a culture of openness and support.

In politically charged environments, where stress and anxiety levels may be heightened, servant leaders play a crucial role in maintaining a supportive atmosphere. They ensure that mental health resources are readily available and that students and staff feel comfortable seeking help. By fostering a caring and empathetic school culture, servant leaders help mitigate the negative impacts of political stressors on the school community.

Adapting to change The political landscape often brings changes in educational policies and funding. Servant leaders demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, guiding their schools through these changes while maintaining a focus on the needs of their community. They stay informed about policy developments and proactively adjust their strategies to align with new regulations and opportunities.

For instance, during shifts in federal or state education policies, servant leaders work closely with their teams to interpret and implement changes effectively. They provide clear communication and support to ensure that staff and students understand and adapt to new requirements. This proactive approach helps to minimize disruptions and maintain a stable learning environment.

In politically charged environments, where stress and anxiety levels may be heightened, servant leaders play a crucial role in maintaining a supportive atmosphere.

Promoting ethical leadership In times of political uncertainty, servant leaders uphold high ethical standards. They model integrity, transparency and accountability, which helps to build a culture of trust within their institutions. By consistently demonstrating ethical behavior, servant leaders inspire their teams to do the same, creating a positive and principled school environment.

Educational leaders using servant leadership navigate political conditions by making decisions that prioritize the well-being and development of their students and staff. They resist pressures to compromise on ethical standards and advocate for policies that align with their values. This commitment to ethical leadership fosters a sense of security and trust, even in challenging political climates.

Implementing servant leadership in your school or district involves several key steps to foster a supportive and collaborative environment. Here are some practical strategies:

1. Model servant leadership Lead by example: Demonstrate servant leadership in your daily actions. Show empathy, actively listen to your staff and students, and prioritize their needs. Be visible and accessible: Spend time in classrooms and common areas, engaging with teachers and students. This visibility helps build trust and shows your commitment to their well-being.

2. Empower teachers/support staff Provide leadership opportunities: Encourage teachers and support staff to take on leadership roles, such as heading committees or leading professional development sessions. This empowers them and fosters a sense of ownership. Support professional growth: Offer continuous professional development opportunities that align with teachers’ interests and career goals. This investment in their growth demonstrates your commitment to their success.

3. Foster a collaborative culture Encourage teamwork: Promote collaborative projects and team teaching. Create opportunities for teachers to share best practices and support each other Facilitate open communication: Establish regular meetings where staff can voice their ideas and concerns. Ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.

4. Prioritize student, faculty and support staff well-being Focus on holistic development: Implement programs that support not only academic achievement but also the social and emotional well-being of everyone at your school and school district. This includes counseling services, extracurricular activities and wellness programs. Create a safe, inclusive and belonging environment: Ensure that everyone feels safe, respected and included. Address any issues of bullying or discrimination promptly and effectively. 5. Engage with the community Build strong relationships: Develop partnerships with parents, local businesses, and community organizations. These relationships can provide additional resources and support for your school and district. Involve educational partners in decision-making: Include parents and community members in school committees and decision-making processes. This inclusivity strengthens the school community and ensures diverse perspectives are considered.

6. Reflect and adapt Seek feedback: Regularly solicit feedback from faculty, support staff, students, and parents to understand their needs and perceptions. Use a “the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” approach. This feedback method categorizes aspects of a performance, project, or situation into three distinct areas: “the good” (positive aspects), “the bad” (areas for improvement), and “the ugly” (major issues or concerns requiring immediate attention). This approach provides a comprehensive overview of both positive and negative aspects. Be flexible: Adapt your leadership style and strategies based on the evolving needs of your school and district community. Flexibility is key to effectively addressing challenges and seizing opportunities.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a school and district environment that embodies the principles of servant leadership, ultimately leading to a more supportive, collaborative and successful educational experience for everyone involved.

Challenges of using servant leadership

In today’s political climate, educational leaders who embrace the servant leadership approach encounter a distinct set of challenges. Balancing the varied needs of students, staff and the wider community becomes particularly challenging when political pressures and policy mandates clash with the principles of servant leadership. Limited time and resources further complicate efforts to build strong relationships and offer personalized support. Additionally, resistance from those accustomed to traditional, hierarchical leadership models can impede the adoption of servant leadership. The emotional strain on leaders, who must continually prioritize the well-being of others, can lead to burnout, especially in high-stress political environments. Furthermore, servant leadership can sometimes be perceived as a lack of authority or decisiveness, potentially undermining a leader’s ability to maintain respect and effectively manage their team. Despite these challenges, many leaders find that the benefits of servant leadership, such as enhanced trust and collaboration, outweigh the difficulties. Despite these misconceptions, the term “servant leadership” is intentionally paradoxical, encouraging leaders to deeply consider what it means to lead by serving others.

Conclusion In conclusion, K-12 school and district leaders should effectively leverage the servant leadership approach to navigate current political conditions. By building trust and community, advocating for equity, supporting mental health, adapting to change and promoting ethical leadership, they can create resilient and inclusive educational environments. These strategies not only address the immediate challenges posed by the political landscape but also lay the foundation for long-term success and well-being in their schools and districts.

Oscar Macias has served for over 25 years in public education. He is currently the assistant superintendent of Instructional Services for the Burbank Unified School District.