Teacher leadership can present in many ways. Some teacher leaders are administrators, holding formal leadership roles. Others are department chairs or PLT leaders. Some teacher leaders lead from behind, knowing the time and place to step back and let others lead. Regardless of the type of leadership one takes on, teacher leaders advocate for their students. They pursue professional development opportunities to better their profession for their students. Teacher leaders conduct and participate in action research to strive to make education better for their students. The foundation of teacher leadership is the goal to enhance educational success for all students. Can all teachers be teacher leaders? What does teacher leadership look like? Can novice teachers, with little experience, be teacher leaders?
Novice Teachers as Teacher Leaders
Highlighted Course: ECI 508 Teachers as Leaders
Course Description: Examines teacher leadership research, theory, and practice. Prepares teachers to assume leadership roles in classrooms, schools, school systems, and the larger educational community. Independent research projects required.
Much of the research and literature on teacher leadership implies that teacher leaders are seasoned teachers that have a wealth of teaching experiences upon which to reflect. While novice teachers are not explicitly excluded from the population of potential teacher leaders, they are not given direction or encouraged to pursue leadership in the first few years in the profession. As a beginning teacher, I wanted to know how I could develop my teacher leadership qualities without years of experience upon which to fall back.
Course Description: Examines teacher leadership research, theory, and practice. Prepares teachers to assume leadership roles in classrooms, schools, school systems, and the larger educational community. Independent research projects required.
Much of the research and literature on teacher leadership implies that teacher leaders are seasoned teachers that have a wealth of teaching experiences upon which to reflect. While novice teachers are not explicitly excluded from the population of potential teacher leaders, they are not given direction or encouraged to pursue leadership in the first few years in the profession. As a beginning teacher, I wanted to know how I could develop my teacher leadership qualities without years of experience upon which to fall back.
How can I use ideas and theories about new literacies and global learning to increase student learning in the social studies?
I created an action plan for myself and all first year or beginning teachers, detailing actions that will help in becoming a teacher leader. In my first year teaching I will:
Encouraging leadership qualities in novice teachers can produce lifelong learners within and outside of the teaching profession. Teacher leaders strive to enhance the education of their students, including using ideas about new literacies and global learning in the classroom. The act of becoming a teacher leader will lead to increased learning in the social studies.
For my entire action plan, read my full paper titled: Dismantling Current Perspectives on Teacher Leadership: Novice Teachers as Teacher Leaders.
For more information...
Explore these books about teacher leadership and empowerment:
I created an action plan for myself and all first year or beginning teachers, detailing actions that will help in becoming a teacher leader. In my first year teaching I will:
- Maintain a "teacher diary" that encourages reflection on teaching practices
- Participate in professional development opportunities
- Observe/join school committees and local educational task forces
- Participate in a mentor program
- Become aware of school culture and seek to make positive changes
- Develop craft knowledge through reflection on experiences
Encouraging leadership qualities in novice teachers can produce lifelong learners within and outside of the teaching profession. Teacher leaders strive to enhance the education of their students, including using ideas about new literacies and global learning in the classroom. The act of becoming a teacher leader will lead to increased learning in the social studies.
For my entire action plan, read my full paper titled: Dismantling Current Perspectives on Teacher Leadership: Novice Teachers as Teacher Leaders.
For more information...
Explore these books about teacher leadership and empowerment: