Transforming Teacher Education through Leadership and Curriculum Management in the 21st Century

The purpose of this study is to investigate the leadership strategies and curriculum management practices of the Program Chair responsible for the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) and Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) programs at a higher education institution. It focuses on the Program Chair's methods for fostering professional development, supporting faculty growth, and conducting program evaluations. For the methodology, a qualitative case study approach was used, incorporating semi-structured email interviews to collect information about the Program Chair's strategies for curriculum management, faculty development initiatives, and evaluation processes. The research findings indicate that effective leadership, which is rooted in ongoing professional development, collaborative decision-making, and faculty growth, is crucial for successful curriculum management. The study also emphasizes the need to incorporate 21st-century skills, digital literacy, and critical thinking into the curriculum. Furthermore, it shows that strong faculty development programs, including mentorship and professional development opportunities, enhance teaching practices and better equip graduates to meet the challenges of the 21st-century workforce. In conclusion, the study suggests that higher education institutions can greatly benefit from updated curricula, improved faculty development programs, data-driven evaluation systems, and modern learning environments to maintain the success and relevance of their teacher education programs. These recommendations offer practical insights for institutions aiming to enhance their teacher education offerings.