THE INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR TRAITS ON INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS: A MIXED-METHODS APPROACH

Abstract This study investigates the influence of school administrators' traits on their effectiveness as instructional leaders in Lanao Del Sur public schools. Specifically, it examines critical characteristics such as emotional intelligence, decision-making, communication, adaptability, and resilience, assessing their impact on instructional leadership and overall school performance. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating quantitative data from 150 teachers' and administrators' surveys and qualitative insights from in-depth interviews. The findings reveal that administrators with higher levels of emotional intelligence and adaptability substantially enhance their school's instructional capacity, improving teacher performance and student outcomes. This study underscores the significance of leadership development programs that focus on cultivating these essential traits to strengthen instructional leadership and foster an environment conducive to academic success. Ultimately, the research contributes to understanding how the personal characteristics of educational leaders can impact the effectiveness of instructional practices in challenging educational contexts.