Teacher as Servant : Applications of Greenleaf's Servant Leadership in Higher Education

Abstract

Applying the principles, values, and practices of Servant Leadership to teaching can make a profound difference on the impact of learning and in the learning experience of both students and teachers. Ten key attributes of Servant Leadership are defined and explained, and translated to the education context, introducing the notion of the 'Servant Teacher.' The paper compares and contrasts the more typical / traditional lecture and course format with one that embodies servant teaching. It is argued that the more conventional education approaches reinforce the 'teacher-student' status quo. Continuing to teach in ways that replicate command and control, hierarchy, and power disparities that promote dependence, compliance, and passivity rather than autonomy are antithetical and counterproductive in a time when flexibility, initiative, responsibility, ownership, self-direction, creativity, empowerment, and teamwork and collaboration are more essential than ever.

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