TEACHERS AS TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERS

Abstract

This article follows a study on the implementation of the "A Aventura da Vida" Programme in primary schools within the municipalities that make up the Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region (CIMRL). It focuses on teachers’ leadership as a catalyst for educational change and its influence on the capacity building and delivery of the programme, emphasising the importance of health education in school settings. The research included an analysis of the educational projects of the seven school clusters involved in the study, a documentary review of CIMRL reports, and an examination of the training sessions carried out between 2021 and 2023. It also involved questionnaire surveys completed by 20 teachers engaged in the programme’s implementation. The results highlight the decisive role of teachers as transformational leaders, within an educational strategy underpinned by a strong partnership between Fundación EDEX, CIMRL, and Universidade Aberta. They also underline the importance of ongoing teacher training and the strengthening of pedagogical resources, with positive perceptions expressed by teachers, innovative teaching practices, and improvements in students’ well-being and learning outcomes. These findings underscore the relevance of investing in collaborative, evidence-based, and practice-oriented programmes that promote innovation, inclusion, and educational success. In this regard, the programme serves as a concrete example of effective public policy with sustainable results, where teachers play a central role in building a more inclusive, healthy, and innovative school environment.