Teacher leadership is where a teacher becomes far more than an educator... they become an active role model in both their classroom and their community. A teacher leader takes action and contributes to the environment around them, not only lending a helping hand to students but to colleagues and neighbors as well. They are “doers,” they see a brighter future and they don’t just stand by waiting for it to happen, they devote themselves to ensure it only gets brighter. Teacher leaders aren’t just teachers who are also school coaches and club sponsors, they are active community members and students themselves, learning and contributing more everyday.
The first resource I read described what a “good teacher” was and how to become one. I thought it was interesting how it stressed that teachers should attend professional development workshops. From personal experience with teachers who aren’t “up-to-date” or who don’t even have the desire to be, I think it is extremely important to continue your professional development: classrooms are changing in demographics, instruction, and resource. The article also focused on expanding out into the community, taking on leadership roles and contributing outside of the classroom. http://www.ed.gov/pubs/TeachersLead/support.html
This resource emphasizes developing teacher leadership skills. It describes the lack of opportunities for upward growth in the teaching world; proposes that there are alternative ways to achieve this upward growth by involvement outside of the classroom. http://www.edutopia.org/teacher-leader
How can we encourage teachers to actually become "teacher leaders"?
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I think that there are too many teachers out there that do not really want to be teachers...they are there for the paycheck, and not the students. For those of us that have the passion for teaching and students (which is hopefully everyone in our program!), being a teacher leader should come somewhat naturally; we won't settle for just being a mediocre teacher. We are going to put everything we have into our teaching because we view it as more than a job.
ReplyDeleteI read in an article that some schools are trying to create a program to encourage and support teachers to become teacher leaders. I think the best way to encourage teachers is to have the backing of the administration, school board and parents. I know several new teachers that are paving the way for us to follow inside and outside the classroom.
ReplyDeletePeople often make the comment that many teachers chose that career because they love teaching. If this is the case, why aren't more teachers teacher leaders? I only make this point because I think you are correct in saying that we should encourage teachers to be leaders and I think that its inherently strange that its something that has to be encouraged from a group of people who chose that profession because of their altruistic love of teaching. Just a thought...
ReplyDeleteI think this is a very good question, especially when there are so many teachers that are doing it for reasons other than ours, like it being a temporary job until they can find something "better." I think what this essentially gets down to is making our teachers more qualified and professional in order get more quality in our educators. When this happens, I think we will have more success in getting teachers to take on a role of leader.
ReplyDeleteI think that for some teachers, the passion for teaching diminishes as time goes on. Older teachers may become worn out and unsure of how to compete with younger, more enthusiastic teachers. These are the ones that may need more guidance in becoming teacher leaders. It may not be enough to simply say, 'get involved', administrators or other teachers may need to model. They could create activities such as 'teacher leader' training courses.
ReplyDeleteI Agree with that Teacher leadership is where a teacher becomes far more than an educator.Leader is one which take the team in leading position and can interact with each team members.Team leaders must have quality of positiveness and tolerance so they can give good support to the team leaders.I want to know suggestion from others.
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I think that it is necessary to lead by example. If as a new teacher, we emerge and become good examples of leaders, existing teachers should not want to be left in the dust. I think it is also important to be positive and encouraging for other teachers to get involved. I think it'll take time, but I think that it is do-able.
ReplyDeleteI think the best incentive to become a teacher leader is being a leader. Leadership means that you lead instead of following, and you get to drive the car instead of being in the passenger seat. Being motivated to do so might be something that teachers are pre-packaged with, but maybe teachers can be motivated to "Take Charge," so to speak.
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