Leadership competence as a component of the professional success of future preschool teachers

Abstract

The article examines the issue of developing leadership competence as an essential component of the professional success of future preschool teachers. The relevance of the study is substantiated by the ongoing modernization of preschool education, the implementation of the competence-based approach, and the increasing requirements for the professional training of pedagogical specialists. The paper analyzes contemporary theoretical approaches to the interpretation of the concepts of leadership, leadership competence, and professional success. Leadership competence is defined as an integrative personal and professional characteristic that combines professional knowledge, values, motivation, personal qualities, and practical skills required for effective educational and leadership activities. The author proposes a structural model of leadership competence that includes motivational-value, cognitive, communicative-organizational, emotional-ethical, and reflective-activity components. The interdependence between leadership competence and the professional success of future preschool teachers is substantiated. The study identifies the pedagogical conditions necessary for the effective development of leadership competence in higher education institutions. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of innovative educational technologies, including project-based learning, coaching, training methods, case studies, mentoring, and digital learning tools, which contribute to the development of leadership potential, professional mobility, communication skills, and readiness for innovative professional activity. It is concluded that leadership competence is a key factor in the professional development, competitiveness, and successful self-realization of future preschool teachers.