Leadership Theory, particularly in the realm of education, is a growing field of study and practice. Many school leaders, whether they are formal leaders such as director and heads of school or informal leaders such as teachers, students, and parents, act from instinct and experience. This is often very effective and sometimes, not so much. Come learn about the latest theories and models of leadership that can help you be more intentional and effective in your decisions and actions.
Interest in leadership increased during the early part of the twentieth century. Early leadership theories focused on what qualities distinguished between leaders and followers, while subsequent theories looked at other variables such as situational factors and skill levels. While many different leadership theories have emerged, most can be classified as one of eight major types:
1. "Great Man" Theories:
Great man theories assume that the capacity for leadership is inherent – that great leaders are born, not made. These theories often portray great leaders as heroic, mythic and destined to rise to leadership when needed. The term "Great Man" was used because, at the time, leadership was thought of primarily as a male quality, especially in terms of military leadership. Learn more about the great man theory of leadership. This theory applies to Montessori schools because it takes a special individual to teach children at a Montessori level. There are different types of learning and every individual has a different learning style and the Montessori teaching allows each individual to learn what way is convenient for them.
2. Trait Theories: People are born with inherited traits.

Some traits are particularly suited to leadership.
People who make good leaders have the right (or sufficient) combination of traits.
Early research on leadership was based on the psychological focus of