Purpose: This study delves into the less-explored domain of teachers' readiness for leadership roles by investigating the direct and indirect relationships between positive school culture and teachers' readiness for leadership roles through affective-identity motivation to lead, and teacher optimism. Design/methodology/approach: This study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (WPLS-SEM) for data analysis. The data were gathered from 424 elementary school teachers who do not hold any leadership positions in Xi'an, China. A total of 391 samples were used after sampling weight adjustments. Findings: There is a significant and positive direct relationship between positive school culture and teachers' readiness for leadership roles. Affective-identity motivation to lead and teacher optimism emerged as significant mediators in this dynamic. Practical implications: This study complements and expands on the study of the relationship between positive school culture, affective-identity motivation to lead, teacher optimism and teachers' readiness for leadership role. This research has established a theoretical framework for school stakeholders to cultivate future teacher leaders. Originality/value: These findings provide valuable theoretical insights into educational leadership literature and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing teachers in assuming leadership roles, particularly in the context of Asian societies.