Empowering aspiring middle leaders with systems thinking: using causal loop diagrams and change models to foster collaborative professional development

In many schools teaching learners is conducted in isolation, and often, so is teachers’ learning. Isolation hinders shared practices; it creates a key challenge for those in middle leadership roles who must foster collaborative professional development. This study examines how a system perspective empowers aspiring middle leaders to develop their capacity for teacher leadership – leading instructional improvement through expertise and collaboration rather than formal authority. Participants (n = 10), all experienced teachers in a Dutch master’s programme preparing them for middle leadership positions, engaged with two tools: causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to map systemic interactions, and the ‘Colours of Change’ model to strategize interventions. Findings indicate that adopting a system perspective enhanced participants’ diagnostic capability, strategic thinking, and confidence as change agents. This study positions systems thinking tools as practical means to develop the teacher leadership capacities essential for middle leaders to navigate complex educational environments and drive sustainable improvement.