Development of Leadership Competencies Among Future Teachers in the Educational Process of the University

Abstract

This article looks at how pedagogical universities can better develop leadership skills in their students. These capabilities matter because schools need teachers who can lead and manage educational settings effectively.We examined several leadership theories. The classical approach focuses on inherent traits that make someone a good leader. Situational leadership suggests that effective leadership depends on the context. Transformational leadership emphasizes inspiring and motivating others toward change. Distributed leadership spreads responsibility across multiple people rather than concentrating it in one person. Finally, ethical leadership prioritizes moral principles in decision-making. Additionally, the article emphasizes the essential role of pedagogical reflection in the development of leadership capabilities, recognizing it as a critical element in shaping a teacher’s professional identity.Survey results from students and faculty at teacher training universities show strong consensus: leadership competencies are central to effective teaching. Essential leadership competencies include personal qualities like self-confidence, charisma, and empathy, as well as professional skills such as effective communication and organizational ability. Despite the recognition of these traits, the respondents evaluated the current level of leadership training within pedagogical institutions as moderate, signaling the need for substantial enhancement of existing educational programs.To address this, a structured model was developed for cultivating leadership skills in future educators, particularly in the context of managing instructional environments. The model’s effectiveness was validated through a pedagogical experiment employing the “Leader” method and the “Leadership Effectiveness” framework. The article recommends a range of strategies to strengthen leadership preparation: implementing dynamic training sessions focused on practical leadership development; initiating school-based leadership projects; designing and applying case studies for analyzing administrative scenarios; and utilizing virtual simulation tools to practice decision-making and classroom leadership in controlled, interactive environments.

Keywords: competences, leadership, leadership competences, pedagogical management, future educators, students, teachers.