An Innovative Leadership Program for Teachers in the Digital Era

Abstract

This study examined the current status, desired goals, and developmental needs regarding innovative leadership among primary school teachers in the digital era under Ubon Ratchathani Primary Educational Service Area Office 1, Thailand. The research was carried out in two phases: first, assessing the current and desired conditions of innovative leadership and identifying priority needs; second, designing and evaluating a tailored professional development program. A sample of 316 teachers was selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection tools included questionnaires, semi-structured interviews with three expert informants, and program evaluation forms reviewed by five expert raters. Findings revealed a moderate level of current innovative leadership practices, with the highest desired level. Priority needs were ranked as follows: (1) technology integration, (2) innovation vision, (3) organizational climate, (4) creativity, and (5) teamwork. The resulting program included five thematic modules, each targeting a key area of innovation. Expert evaluations rated the program highly for both relevance and feasibility.