Teachers as Leaders

Teachers as Leaders

By Olivia Artusa DeKatch

I have been very interested in the idea of teachers as leaders during the course of this program. I have been thinking about all of the responsibilities of principals and assistant principals. Teachers can be great leaders in schools and help to delegate some of these responsibilities. It is amazing what teachers can do in the school building to serve as leaders!

I heard a principal once say, “A great leader builds more leaders.” I believe this statement to be true. The best leaders I have seen are the ones that encourage others to lead and follow their passions. Teachers have so many unique talents and passions and can be used in so many ways at schools.

I believe that teachers can serve as leaders in the role of leading professional developments for faculty. We all are experts at different parts of teaching. Some teachers are better with technology, data, behavior management, or even online tools. Teachers can teach other teachers these skills and ultimately, serve as leaders.

Teachers can serve as instructional or curriculum specialists and lead teams that focus on these matters. Exemplary teachers can serve as mentors to new teachers and use their skills in this way. Teachers can lead within the grade level, throughout the school, or even beyond the school. I believe there are so many ways to encourage teachers to step up as leaders and help teachers become more successful.

I have seen, throughout my experience, that leaders can exhibit certain behaviors or principles to better encourage teacher leadership within the school. Principals and leaders that encourage risk taking within their staff do a fantastic job of growing leaders. Leaders that are encouraging and supportive of teachers also successfully grow leaders. Leaders that provide or invite teachers to be a part of a leadership team or role are also very successful in promoting leadership within the school.

How do you feel leaders grow teachers to become leaders?