Many teachers have attended seminars that gave them useful ideas but no road map for applying them. Using teacher leaders to create meaningful professional development for all teachers attempts to alleviate this problem by providing guidance from teachers experienced in application. As a means of career advancement (and expansion), becoming a teacher leader is a viable option for experienced teachers. Becoming a teacher leader is a way to give back to your district by offering your experience in a leadership role while advancing your own career.
Teacher Leader Role Examples
Teacher leaders fill many roles in the school system. The most common is the role of resource provider. According to Harrison and Killion in “Ten Roles for Teacher Leaders,” resource providers share instructional resources with colleagues. An additional role is that of instructional and curriculum specialist. Beyond these two examples, teacher leaders can fill most any leadership role, including those previously held by administrators. For example, learning facilitators work to create professional development for teachers that actually meets the needs of districts and schools. This focus can take the local community into account when deciding what to provide. Some teacher leaders even serve in multiple roles at the same time or move from one role to another very quickly.
Larger Roles
One of the most important and most common roles for teacher leaders is to mentor new educators. From answering questions about instruction and curriculum to assisting with decisions about furthering their own education such as enrolling an online master’s degree in education program, teacher leaders who serve as mentors provide invaluable services to new teachers. Some mentors even help new faculty adjust to the larger community beyond the school. These interactions can set a young teacher on a better career path and may affect how successful he or she is over time.
If you are an experienced educator and have considered serving in a leadership role in your district, becoming a teacher leader might be for you. From orchestrating better professional development for teachers to creating a stronger curriculum for student achievement, teacher leadership can be a very rewarding career choice.
Many teacher leader positions may require you to complete extra professional development or earn an advanced degree in education.
Learn more about the Lamar University online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership program.
Sources:
ASCD: Ten Roles for Teacher Leaders
ASCD: Insights into Action: Successful School Leaders Share What Works
