What Makes A Moral and Ethical School Leader? Teacher Perceptions and Conceptualizations

The purpose of this study was to explore through a qualitative research case study the perceptions and conceptions of teachers regarding the moral and ethical nature of educational leaders in a small rural school district. Effective leadership is essential to the foundation of a school district. Leadership characteristics and behaviors play a strong role in defining the climate of the district community, and the ever-increasing reforms of education continue to challenge the development of educational leaders. Drawing on teacher perspectives and conceptualizations, this study focuses on what constitutes the moral and ethical qualities of effective educational leaders and how those characteristics and behaviors are challenged and sustained in an increasingly changing and demanding educational setting.