Leadership sustainability and systems thinking among public elementary school leaders in Isabela, Philippines

Sustainability has become an essential concern in contemporary organizations, including educational institutions, where leadership plays a crucial role in promoting long-term development and organizational effectiveness. However, limited empirical studies have examined how leadership sustainability is practiced by school heads as system thinkers in public elementary schools. This study appraised leadership sustainability practices among school heads in Legislative District Six of the Schools Division of Isabela. The study employed the descriptive research design and involved one hundred thirty-three (133) respondents composed of school heads and teachers. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire, supported by unstructured interviews and documentary analysis. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and t-test. Findings revealed that respondents highly recognized the characteristics, competencies, and principles of sustainable leadership, with democratic leadership emerging as the most preferred leadership style. Respondents also demonstrated high awareness of sustainable leadership and the importance of pedagogical strategies supporting leadership sustainability. However, moderate challenges were encountered in the implementation of leadership sustainability due to institutional and resource limitations. The study emphasizes the importance of collaborative leadership practices and systemic approaches in strengthening leadership sustainability in schools.