This module is part of a digital learning series designed for individuals or groups who wish to increase their professional learning about educational topics. This module, Teacher Leadership, begins with a question to spark learning and conversation. Each module contains resources and activities guide learning and reflection. Before you get started, click here for the facilitator's guide. Download the guide and open in Microsoft Word so you can navigate using the links in the document.
Did you know Kentucky has a framework for teacher leadership? Click on the button above for a quick video explanation.
Pre-meeting thinking
Before beginning the digital professional learning study session, independently, take time to respond to the following statements. These statements are meant to stimulate thinking related to what you already know and understand about teacher leadership. When you gather with your learning team to debrief, you’ll be ready to engage and move forward with the team. How do you define teacher leader? Write down your thoughts on these questions. What does teacher leadership look like in your district? What is ideal? What opportunities are available? Watch the "Kentucky Teacher Leadership Framework" video. Along with the video you'll need a copy of the actual framework found here. Considering the things you wrote down about teacher leaders in your district, what spheres are represented? Can you add to your list now? When you convene with your group, share your thinking and note similarities within your group and things you didn't consider. |
We learn
Engaging with the framework Materials needed.
Activity Modify the activity according to the size of your group. Expert Groups
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Contextualization
Teachers
Your Turn (Teachers) - for individual thinking and reflection. Materials needed: KY TL Framework, highlighters (green, yellow, orange)
- "I am competent." - Yellow - "I need support." - Orange 3. Move to a table with others who also identified with this sphere. 4. Share ways you operate or wish to operate in this sphere. 5. Discuss how you could refine or expand your influence or work in this sphere. 6. Explain how teacher leadership in this sphere supports student success. ____________________________________________ |
Principals
Your Turn (Principals) - for individual thinking and reflection. Materials needed: Access to KY TL Framework and the article Why Teachers Make Good Learning Leaders. Also, print the "Contextualizing Teacher Leadership - Principals" guide located in the right hand column.. 1. Take a few moments to read the article. 2. The article begins with a teacher's excitement about having the opportunity and space to lead. The principal created structures to help the teacher be intentional and reflective. Think about the teacher leaders in your building (refer to the 6 spheres of teacher leadership). What kinds of structures do you have in place to ensure teacher leaders are on track with the vision, are being intentional, and taking time to reflect and refine? What supports or structures might you add? 3. On page 2, you'll find a list under "Fostering development." How would you rate yourself on a scale from 1-5 for building a culture for teacher leadership under the categories: Shared Vision, Culture of Trust, Opportunities to Lead Professional Learning, Encouragement to Lead, Support and Training? 4. Make a chart of potential in your building using the chart in the document below. List teachers (initials), strengths, areas of growth, and potential for leadership. Use the KY TL Framework for guidance. This information could be used to help plan professional learning in your building and strategic planning of schedules. |
District Leaders Your Turn (Admins) - for individual thinking and reflection Materials needed: KY TL Framework and the article Leveraging Teacher Leadership to Meet Unprecedented Demand. 1. Take a few moments to read the section titled "Considerations to Ensure Impact and Sustainability," beginning on page 11 and ending at the bottom of page 15. 2. As you read, use the "Contextualizing Teacher Leadership - District Leaders Guide" to organize your learning. To clarify your thinking, consider these questions as you read:
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Reflection
Now that you've completed this module, take some time to reflect on how what you learned through your work with the Kentucky Teacher Leadership Framework and the other module resources has affected your ideas about teacher leadership. I used to think _______________, but now I think _______________ about teacher leadership. |
Roadmap for Distributive Leadership
The Aspen Institute and Leading Educators produced a roadmap for teacher leadership that guides both administrators and teachers as they approach effective distributive leadership.
READ attached roadmap along with this reading guide as a place to capture thoughts and reflections.
The Aspen Institute and Leading Educators produced a roadmap for teacher leadership that guides both administrators and teachers as they approach effective distributive leadership.
READ attached roadmap along with this reading guide as a place to capture thoughts and reflections.
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Video
Check out these teachers from Hawaii and New York discussing teacher leadership and the impact teacher leadership can make on student achievement. |
Photos used under Creative Commons from Charlie.Wales, Joe The Goat Farmer