ABSTRACT

This paper presents the findings of a small scale research study in Singapore which investigatedleadership. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from a sample of 54 teachers whoresponded to an online survey, and a focus group of another 10 teachers. The findings showed that 34(63%) respondents were willing to take on leadership roles. One of the reasons for this willingness totake on leadership roles included the belief that as a result of working as a teacher for many years, theywere now ready to impart their knowledge to early childhood educators in the industry. Factorsidentified which hindered respondents from willingness to take on leadership roles included lack ofleadership opportunities in their centres, lack of clear job scope for leadership positions, new ideas werenot accepted or valued and school cultures where principals and senior teachers were not willing to sharestatus.

Keyword :