One may think that a teacher’s job is to provide knowledge and
information to young minds in order to prepare them for their future
journeys. That thought it true, but it
is not the only job a teacher has to fulfill.
Teachers are to be leaders in their schools, learning communities, and
districts. Teachers must go beyond the
responsibilities of their own classes and become actively involved in their
schools. The article titled "5 Telltale Signs You’re Becoming a Teacher Leader" provided 5
indicators that teachers can use to evaluate themselves to see if they are on
the right road to becoming a teacher leader.
First, a teacher leader desires to have a positive impact beyond the walls of their own classroom. Becoming involved in educational communities, whether that are online or within the school district, is a small step where teachers can brainstorm and share their ideas. Having an educational blog where a teacher could share thoughts and experiences that will inspire and assist the educational community. Secondly, a teacher leader will be available to share educational advice with fellow teachers. Teacher leaders will invest in the school’s staff and facility by providing ideas, assistance, guidance, and suggestions. A teacher leader will become a “go-to” teacher. Thirdly, a teacher leader will think of solutions that will benefit students and fellow teachers. Teacher leaders think outside the box to analysis and consider opinions that will solve problems within a school, district, or classroom. If need be, teacher leaders will present their ideas to their principals and suggest for change to happen. Fourthly, a teacher leader will assist a new teacher who has just entered the school setting. Personal time and effort will be invested by teacher leaders to college students who need to complete their in-class student teaching or to those who just completed their college education and entered into a teaching position. Teacher leaders will provide advice and suggestions to the new teachers. Also, teacher leaders will come alongside the new teachers to encourage and assist. Lastly, teacher leaders are lifelong learners. They are constantly reading research articles, educational blogs, and instructional magazines. Teacher leaders will continue their personal educational journeys by getting a master’s degree or doctorate degree. Ratzel (2012) provided a list of traits that will be found in a teacher leader: advising, listening, collaborating, networking, seeking knowledge, and reflecting (p. 40). According to Warren (2016), “The skills that define leaders are the following; the ability to inspire and motivate others, displaying high degree of honesty and integrity, the capacity to solve problems, to be driven by results, the ability to communicate prolifically and powerfully, ability to create pleasant relationships, develop other people and the ability to be innovative” (p. 510). Warren also stated that both skills and traits are needed in teacher leaders.
In an elementary school setting, there are many opportunities for teachers to take leadership and ownership. Program committees often need teachers to guide the parents as they prepare for school plays. Elementary teachers are in constant need of new ideas on how to present lesson content. An elementary teacher leader could partner up with another elementary teacher to brainstorm ideas and suggestions to encourage fresh teaching skills. If new teachers feel uneasy stepping out of their comfort zone to take leadership, an individualized leadership plan can be created. “A plan should be developed for each teacher leader, offering guidance for professional development programming and collaborative learning opportunities. Since teachers have limited time to engage in professional development programs, individualized leadership development plans may ultimately allow them to develop more quickly and efficiently” (Luft, Dubois, Kaufmann, & Plank, 2016). Many elementary teachers do not know how to effectively use technology in their classrooms. Teacher leaders can attend workshops on how to implement technology in the classroom. Then the teacher leaders can then take the knowledge they learned and share it with their fellow teachers. For schools to be successful, teacher leaders are needed!
References
First, a teacher leader desires to have a positive impact beyond the walls of their own classroom. Becoming involved in educational communities, whether that are online or within the school district, is a small step where teachers can brainstorm and share their ideas. Having an educational blog where a teacher could share thoughts and experiences that will inspire and assist the educational community. Secondly, a teacher leader will be available to share educational advice with fellow teachers. Teacher leaders will invest in the school’s staff and facility by providing ideas, assistance, guidance, and suggestions. A teacher leader will become a “go-to” teacher. Thirdly, a teacher leader will think of solutions that will benefit students and fellow teachers. Teacher leaders think outside the box to analysis and consider opinions that will solve problems within a school, district, or classroom. If need be, teacher leaders will present their ideas to their principals and suggest for change to happen. Fourthly, a teacher leader will assist a new teacher who has just entered the school setting. Personal time and effort will be invested by teacher leaders to college students who need to complete their in-class student teaching or to those who just completed their college education and entered into a teaching position. Teacher leaders will provide advice and suggestions to the new teachers. Also, teacher leaders will come alongside the new teachers to encourage and assist. Lastly, teacher leaders are lifelong learners. They are constantly reading research articles, educational blogs, and instructional magazines. Teacher leaders will continue their personal educational journeys by getting a master’s degree or doctorate degree. Ratzel (2012) provided a list of traits that will be found in a teacher leader: advising, listening, collaborating, networking, seeking knowledge, and reflecting (p. 40). According to Warren (2016), “The skills that define leaders are the following; the ability to inspire and motivate others, displaying high degree of honesty and integrity, the capacity to solve problems, to be driven by results, the ability to communicate prolifically and powerfully, ability to create pleasant relationships, develop other people and the ability to be innovative” (p. 510). Warren also stated that both skills and traits are needed in teacher leaders.
In an elementary school setting, there are many opportunities for teachers to take leadership and ownership. Program committees often need teachers to guide the parents as they prepare for school plays. Elementary teachers are in constant need of new ideas on how to present lesson content. An elementary teacher leader could partner up with another elementary teacher to brainstorm ideas and suggestions to encourage fresh teaching skills. If new teachers feel uneasy stepping out of their comfort zone to take leadership, an individualized leadership plan can be created. “A plan should be developed for each teacher leader, offering guidance for professional development programming and collaborative learning opportunities. Since teachers have limited time to engage in professional development programs, individualized leadership development plans may ultimately allow them to develop more quickly and efficiently” (Luft, Dubois, Kaufmann, & Plank, 2016). Many elementary teachers do not know how to effectively use technology in their classrooms. Teacher leaders can attend workshops on how to implement technology in the classroom. Then the teacher leaders can then take the knowledge they learned and share it with their fellow teachers. For schools to be successful, teacher leaders are needed!
References
Luft, J. A., Dubois, S. L., Kaufmann, J., &
Plank, L. (2016). Science teacher leadership:
Learning
from a three-year leadership program. Science
Educator, 25 (1), 1-9.
Ratzel, M. (2012). 5 Telltale Signs You’re
Becoming a Teacher Leader. Education Week
Teacher.
Warren, L. L. (2016). Viewing teachers as
leaders without being administrators.
Education,
136 (4), 508-514.
First, there's nothing like submitting an article that's great at 1:05 am ;-)
ReplyDeleteSecondly, and on a more serious note, I would agree with what was stated above. A teacher must continually be learning. I love to get on Pinterest and find new ideas for my first grade classroom, or read an article on how to help my students who say their "l" sound like the "w" sound or their "th" sound comes out a "f" sound. Reading and finding information has helped me with implementing new things in my classroom and also helping my students grow.
As a first year teacher I have loved getting to know the other teachers I work with and they have been so helpful. From helping me get acclimated to understanding how things work around here to even teaching one of my classes to show me a good way to approach my young students. Being a first year teacher can be difficult but with a great Teacher Leader always being their to help you you feel right at home.
I believe, by default, that teachers are automatically leaders. Some embrace this opportunity and thrive while others simply ignore the role they have had thrust upon them. Leaders cannot be static. There is the need to continually evolve and to develop oneself and grow as an individual to the betterment of the ones they serve.
ReplyDeletethis was an excellent article and I agree with Charles's comment that teachers are automatically looked at as leaders. we do have an obligation to professionalism and pressure to keep current in our field. We must continuously model what it is to be a lifelong learner. And of course as generations quickly change, technology progresses, and methodologies adapt to meet learning targets, teachers must adopt what works.
ReplyDelete