Leadership learning for pre-service and early career teachers: insights from Ireland and Scotland

Teachers’ leadership learning should arguably commence in the initial stages of their preservice education. However, the scope for leadership learning in pre-service teacher preparation is
questionably less prominent. This paper presents findings from the first phase of an ongoing qualitative
research study that is exploring the extent of leadership learning in pre-service teacher education in
three education systems (i.e. Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland). It discusses
participants’ receptivity and challenges of leadership learning at the pre-service and early career stages.
The paper highlights the need for strengthening leadership elements in pre-service teacher education
programmes and for developing supportive structures and cultures within and beyond schools, to
promote leadership learning for teachers