How can you be an effective leader of change in your school?
Two years ago, I contemplated exploring the possibility of leaving the classroom and transitioning to the world of instructional coaching. It was then when I asked myself:
“Am I a teacher leader?”
If I would’ve asked myself the same exact question within the first five years of my career, I would have flat out said, “No...not really.” I felt comfortable and confident in the decisions I made within the four walls of my classroom. Knight (2007) makes it clear that teachers will often take the path of least resistance, just like their students. I knew I was making an impact on my students’ learning experiences each and every day. I participated in both district and building PD, turned in my weekly lesson plans, and completed and posted quarterly grades. I knew I was making an impact on my students’ learning experiences each and every day. I was content with that. I needed nothing else.
It was around year six of my career that I started noticing a much different feeling. The same everyday contentment I felt before no longer served me anymore. Couros (2015) said it best, “We rarely create something different until we experience something different” (p. 89). It was this year that I decided to make and embrace change. By doing so, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to start a new chapter in my career! I moved from fourth to fifth grade, as well as became our “building technology coordinator”. I volunteered to serve on our district’s science curriculum writing committee.
By stepping out of my comfort zone, I was able to take on new roles and responsibilities. For the next five years I grew. I learned. I created. I taught. I shared. I failed. I reflected. I collaborated. I coached. I supported. Had I not taken that leap of faith back then, I don’t believe I would be where I am today.
I recently read an article by Elena Aguilar (2010) on becoming a teacher leader. Augilar (2013) mentions several attributes of leadership that principals look for when developing teacher leaders within their building.
They are:
-teachers who are thinking outside of their classrooms
-teachers who take risks within their classroom
-teachers who aren't afraid to say that they don't know something
-teachers who aren't afraid to share what they do know
So...are you interested in becoming a teacher leader? If so, ask yourself some of these questions that Reinen (2020) shared on the “Teach. Train. Love” Blog. Take time to reflect.
Do I positively contribute to my school culture and climate?
Do I seek unique ways to share my knowledge and expertise with others?
Do I work with administrative leaders to improve school practices?
Do I facilitate professional learning activities?
Do I keep my classroom door open and welcome others to observe my teaching?
Do I work well in a team and seek input from every member?
Do I find ways to celebrate others?
Am I innovative?
Do I inspire?
Am I eager to serve?
Resources:
Aguilar, E. (2010, June 14). Becoming a Teacher Leader. Retrieved June 10, 2020, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-leader-definition-role
Reinen, B. (2020, May 29). Am I a Teacher Leader? Retrieved June 10, 2020, from http://teachtrainlove.com/am-i-a-teacher-leader/
Couros, G. (2015). The Innovator's Mindset. San Diego: Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.
Knight, J. (2007). Instructional Coaching: A Partnership Approach to Improving Instruction. Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press.
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