Social leadership and educational transformation enhance green school culture, overcoming challenges for teachers and management

Abstract

This study investigates the role of social leadership and educational transformation in fostering an environmentally friendly school culture across 40 high schools in Banda Aceh City, Indonesia. It examines the challenges that principals, teachers, and management staff face in implementing environmental programs. The data were collected using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key participants, including principals, teachers, and school administrative staff. Field observations were also conducted to deepen the understanding of eco-friendly practices in these schools. Findings reveal that strong social leadership and educational transformation encourage school-wide participation in sustainable initiatives. Proactive principals with a vision for sustainability integrate environmental practices into curricula and daily activities. However, the study also highlights challenges such as limited resources, high teacher workloads, and insufficient training in environmental education. School management faces difficulties in consistently crafting policies that support sustainable practices. Collaboration among teachers, students, and management is crucial for addressing these barriers and establishing greener school environments. The study finds that effective social leadership and transformative management are essential for fostering environmentally conscious schools. At the same time, a holistic approach is necessary to overcome the challenges associated with implementing sustainable programs.