Literacy coaches as servant leaders: A multi-case study exploring the phenomenon of servant leadership in education

The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to examine if and how characteristics of servant leadership were exemplified in the work of literacy coaches from the perspective of literacy coaches, administration, and teachers. The study took place in an elementary school district located in Arizona. Servant leadership has been an effective model of ethical leadership in business and educational fields. However, a gap in the literature existed as it related to literacy coaches as servant leaders. To answer the three research questions guiding this study, structured interviews, observations, and document review were used to collect data from three literacy coaches, three classroom teachers, and three administrators. Results indicated that literacy coaches participating in this study were inspired to become instructional leaders out of a desire to serve others, their leadership philosophy and style was influenced by servant leaders, and each literacy coach exemplified characteristics of servant leadership. Findings from this study may contribute to discussions about servant leadership and literacy coaching, adding to the body of knowledge that exists for both topics. The study concluded with implications and recommendations for pre-service and practicing literacy coaches, university faculty members, individuals responsible for developing leadership pedagogy for literacy coaches, and scholars interested in educational leadership.