Transforming School Leadership in Lebanon Through Ta’theer

Context and Problem

Lebanon’s education system faces many challenges, such as poor resources, low public school performance, and a heavy dependence on private schools. Refugee students add extra pressure on the system, often facing higher dropout rates and fewer education opportunities. Many schools have unequal access based on location, income, or gender. School leadership is mostly focused on administration rather than helping teachers or students improve. To address these problems, the Ta’theer Leadership Development Program was launched. This nine-month program aims to help school leaders work together to improve their schools and communities.

Solution

The Ta’theer program is multifaceted. First, it trains principals, department heads, and teacher leaders to adopt modern leadership strategies. This is achieved through monthly workshops that focus on key areas such as leadership skills, building professional learning communities (PLCs), and creating positive school environments. Second, it equips participants with the ability to gather and use school-specific data to make informed decisions about teaching and management practices. Third, it establishes Pedagogical Leadership Teams (PLTs) within schools to guide improvements in teaching and learning processes. These teams play a key role in ensuring that strategies are implemented effectively. Fourth, the program promotes collaboration through annual networking events, where school leaders share ideas, reflect on challenges, and learn from each other’s experiences. Finally, the program is supported by experts and guest speakers who provide practical training and tailored guidance for each school. Ta’theer relies on funding from participants, schools, and local businesses to sustain itself, reducing dependence on external resources.

Impact

In its first year, Ta’theer reached five schools, training 97 leaders, supporting 490 teachers, and impacting 5,400 students. The program has helped shift school leadership from rigid, top-down styles to more collaborative and supportive approaches. Leaders now focus more on creating positive school environments, working closely with teachers through PLCs, and using data to guide changes. Teachers and leaders report better collaboration and improved student outcomes. The program has also inspired participants to see their role as contributing to school improvement and their communities' betterment.

The Ta’theer model can be used in other regions facing similar issues, focusing on working together and tailoring solutions to local needs. Its approach, which includes small cohorts and networking events, makes it scalable to more schools over time. Local funding from businesses and communities supports its long-term sustainability. By training school leaders to mentor others, the program ensures its benefits will continue even after its initial phase. Ta’theer shows that schools and communities can grow stronger with the right leadership development, even in difficult circumstances.