Assumptions Regarding Teacher Leadership

The first assumption one would think with regard to teacher leadership is that it exists as part of the administrative team. This idea would not be a true statement because although some may, it does not necessarily have to be an administrator role. Another assumption commonly associated with teacher leadership is that it will work in any setting. This statement and idea would also be false because there are many situations where teacher leaders do not gain respect or are seen as valuable members of the team. Teacher leaders should relate to the teaching staff as well as develop and foster positive relationships with the team.

My own personal assumptions associated with teacher leadership centers around support for teachers. Teacher leaders train and coach teachers with regard to classroom management, curriculum instruction, and parental involvement. Many teacher leaders can exist within a particular school site. For example, one teacher leader may work with new teachers, while another works with teachers on curriculum instruction.

Beliefs Concerning Teacher Leadership

Teacher leadership is a growing field in the education arena. Leadership from the teacher's standpoint remains an important one because it demonstrates an effort to provide teachers with necessary support. One of the possible pitfalls administrators can fall into when working with a new teacher is to micromanage. Teachers should have the opportunity to grow and develop their own style while beginning a teaching profession. Teachers leaders provide an opportunity for an individual to work with a professional, experienced teacher who is currently teaching or still has direct contact with students.

That being said, teacher leaders should only be those who are still teaching or currently have interactions with students. A teacher leader should have relevant experience and be able to relate to, observe, and provide feedback in a comfortable setting. The initial years of teaching often cause a great deal of stress for new teachers. Establishing a leadership team at a school site provides access to resources for working through the adversity that comes with the teaching profession.

Personal Values

As a teacher, maintaining a high standard for both myself and the students remains on the forefront of everything that is accomplished in the classroom. Teachers will experience a wide variety of students throughout their teaching career. As a result of teaching and encountering a diverse population, teachers grow to adapt their teaching to meet their student's needs. While meeting their needs remains as a critical issue for classroom teachers, maintaining a high standard for the students and providing a rigorous and challenging learning environment is also an important concept.

As a teacher leader, providing teachers with the necessary support to facilitate a successful  learning environment also remains critical. Teachers can maintain a high standard and foster a positive learning  environment in their classroom; however, teachers need support from administration to achieve  desirable goals.

Teacher leaders should remain working with students to ensure their connection with the teachers. Teachers should view teacher leaders as a tangible resource for support with students and curriculum in the classroom.