Dr. Aisulu Badanova, a recent PhD graduate of the NU GSE delivered a seminar titled: “Leadership Identity Construction: An embedded multiple case study of middle leaders developing their identity in centralized, hierarchical educational and societal contexts” on September 19.
Her research focuses on the development of leadership identity among heads of departments (HoDs) in Kazakhstan’s centralized education system. Kazakhstan, striving to rank among the 30 most developed economies by 2050, has initiated reforms to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Despite these efforts, the education system remains influenced by Soviet-era centralization, which continues to shape leadership structures and practices in schools.
Through a qualitative multiple case study of six HoDs in two state schools, Dr. Badanova’s research explored how middle leaders construct their leadership identity and the challenges they face. The findings revealed that while HoDs are increasingly recognized by school leaders and local authorities, they are still primarily seen as teachers, not leaders. This study offers important insights for policymakers and educational leaders on the development of middle leadership in hierarchical, centralized educational contexts.
Watch the recorded presentation below:
