Transformative Leadership of an IBA-Recruited Head Teacher: School Improvement Initiatives in Rural Khairpur, Sindh
Abstract
Purpose: This research explores the performance and transformative leadership programs of head teachers who are hired using Sukkur IBA University Testing Services (STS) merit-based system in Sindh, Pakistan. The key aim is to assess how these non-seniority-based leaders negotiate the systemic issues of the rural education system to trigger an environment of school improvement.
Methods: The research uses a qualitative instrumental case study design, and it is based on Government Branch High School X located in the Basti Tehsil of District Khairpur. Semi-structured interviews with 29 stakeholders, consisting of head teachers, staff members, students, parents, chairmen of School Management Committee (SMC), and Taluka Education Officers (TEOs) were used to collect data. Triangulation was done by document analysis of school registers, cash books and visitor records.
Findings: The research finds that the IBA-appointed head teacher (HT1) was able to institute critical reforms in four areas, including functionalizing infrastructure (solar power, washrooms), systematizing academics (weekly testing, multimedia use), mobilizing community resources (land and furniture donations), and creating a role-model leadership culture. Although there were persistent shortages of resources and early opposition by the community, the merit-based recruitment led to the much better punctuality of teachers and their interaction with the students.
Implications: The results imply that third party merit testing to professionalize the school leadership cadres is working well to avoid political patronage. Nevertheless, the paper notes that because of the contractual character of these appointments, it leads to a kind of a contractual paradox, in which job insecurity leads to short-term excellence but long-term professional anxiety.
Keywords: Head Teacher Performance, School Improvement, Sindh Education Reforms, Merit-based Recruitment, Transformative Leadership, Rural Education.
