Gestão escolar em foco

desafios para a construçao de uma liderança democrática

Abstract

In the context of basic education, school management plays a pivotal role in addressing challenges related to leadership and the principal’s responsibility for ensuring teaching quality and inclusive practices in the management process. This article examines the key challenges faced by school leaders, highlighting democratic leadership as a central dimension for fostering effective educational practices. Democratic school leadership requires competencies that extend beyond bureaucratic administration, including active listening, dialogue, empathy, and the encouragement of collective participation in planning and implementing school initiatives. Drawing on the works of Lück (2009), Paro (2001), Libâneo (2003), Gadotti (1999)  and Ferreira (1999), the discussion focuses on building participatory educational environments, strengthening community involvement, and advancing a model of school management committed to citizenship education and student success.