Teacher Leadership Initiatives

BY ELLEN DARENSBOURG.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

For educators new to the profession, this article outlines the importance and value of teacher leaders. Typical roles are defined and suggestions made for those wishing to reap the benefits these positions offer.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF A TEACHER LEADER

TEACHER LEADERS:

• are passionate, driven, and have expertise in instruction,
• engage in continuous inquiry, inform, persuade, mobilize, and energize others to do more within their communities,
• plan, organize, and create,
• assist in the overall improvement of a school’s community and performance,
• collaborate with peers, parents, and school communities,
• are willing to take risks and participate in shared decision making,
• continuously reflect on their work and the work their school is doing,
• strive to stay current in their field,
• are often politically active and aware socially of issues pertaining to their profession and the students they work with.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions. However, it can also be isolating and frustrating.  Teachers typically spend the majority of their day within the walls of their own classroom leading to a serious lack of adult contact.  It can be difficult to grow professionally and feel like you are part of a larger community.

Every year, teachers endeavor to make a difference in the lives of their students. But for many teachers- this is only the beginning. Many educators find themselves wanting to make a more lasting impact. They feel there must be a way to affect more than just their circle of students.  Teacher Leaders can accomplish this as they bridge the gap between individual classes and the school community. They help foster relationships between their colleagues and the administration. They help move- and keep a school moving towards excellence!

Traditionally, schools are run by administrators who manage their schools from outside the classroom. However, the most effective schools utilize a different format. They apply the creative energy of teachers and work collaboratively with them toward a smooth, cohesive daily management.  The result has a significant impact both in and out of the classroom.

Many teachers choose not to take on more than the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a classroom. This is already a tremendous job, requiring hours that extend well beyond the normal school day. However, many schools find themselves lucky to have teachers who go beyond- teachers who seek challenge and growth. These teachers take on leadership roles and their schools become more democratic than dictatorial, benefiting all.

Teacher leadership is about maximizing the varied attributes of teachers to strengthen the school community through real collaboration and shared leadership. This creates professional communities that positively and substantially impact school, teacher and student performance.