There is no debate on the amount of leadership it takes to be a great teacher. You are a role model, and you are ultimately leading children every day to make decisions regarding their life choices, careers, characters, etc. But what is the next step in the progression of a teacher leader? How does that affect not only you but others around you?
Deciding to pursue a master’s in teacher leadership can change the trajectory of an educator’s life in an extremely positive way, because it will help more than just your classroom of students. It’s a most important chance to broaden the impact one has on a district and student learning.
The Responsibilities of a Teacher Leader
Teacher leaders become facilitators in multiple ways. They can change teaching practices through collaboration, become coaches by analyzing appropriate data, and implementing opportunities for driving instruction through assessment synthesis.
Teacher leaders incorporate their desires to solve problems instead of simply complaining about an issue; they pursue their interest in making systemic changes that affect all students and educators; and they take on challenges that appear overwhelming yet can be achieved with patience, motivations, and clear visions and missions.
If one is to be an agent of change in the educational landscape, there are numerous responsibilities for teacher leaders that develop through a master’s pathway. Teacher responsibilities include being an advocate for social justice and change to benefit students.
It requires a strong sense of action research that can be implemented in real-time and in real classroom scenarios. These responsibilities also entail being the champion for these elements. It necessitates being an open-the-door type of leader; it’s not someone who closes up their room and teaches in isolation.
The master’s pathway opens up the world of diversity and focuses on creating equitability among all stakeholders. It will help an educator formulate significant decision-making strategies, highlighting mindful engagement of ideas with colleagues. The reality is that all schools are not equal, which is why teacher leaders are so integral in the re-formation of what education should look like in contemporary society. Teacher leadership also accepts the crises regarding the employment and retention of great quality teachers, hence, the social justice causes for the benefit of students across the nation.
Leadership Capabilities and Competency
Building competency in reflection is one of the cornerstones of education. Understanding not only the type of curriculum implemented in the classroom but the objectives behind those curricular pieces and the assessment for skill development becomes the whole concept behind instructing. The transformation of a teacher into a leader inspires others to help support visions that involve building on those reflections and making a change. It cannot be done alone in one classroom but as a cohesive group of stakeholders who understand how reflection and recognition for change are the driving forces.
One of the most important and difficult aspects of becoming a teacher leader, besides having the passion for change in the current state of education, is comprehending the navigation of transitioning from teaching among peers to supervising them. It can create uncomfortable situations that need to be addressed, providing an opportunity for complete transformation.
Educators are already one step ahead of others because of their compassion and empathy for others. To truly build upon those characteristics and affect a career is to harness those traits and continue to build relationships among peers. Teacher leaders care for their peers, often because they have taught in the trenches with them. The professional relationship is already present. Now the requirement that supports and grows the excellence in their abilities becomes the leaders’ task.
A master’s degree that provides the appropriate approaches will highlight the risks and rewards that open up potential for other educators. It is more than just self-actualization and building one’s resume. The focus is on sharing the passion that one holds and passing it off to others who may not be able to convey it to larger groups. Authentically presenting ideas in a genuine collaborative environment can only improve environments for students and teachers.
Navigating the Step From Peers to Supervision of Peers
So, what does supervising peers look like in this transition? These situations require educational solid principles, knowledge about educational policies, relationships with unions in order to move through the political landscapes, and the ability to present facts, data, and evidence to support your position. And amongst all of that: the key is to show support without criticism, present growth with support, and build upon the existing relationship.
In order to build credibility, a teacher leader must get in the classroom as much as possible. Collecting evidence or lack thereof is imperative in building change toward a stronger, better vision. Knowing what is being instructed and in what ways will help support your ability to share ideas and look for modifications to lessons or adaptations to traditional thinking, which is one of the toughest hurdles.
There will exist some tough conversations with close-mindedness associates and opportunities for creativity with open-minded individuals to share your own positive thoughts about educational change. Conflict resolution certainly mandates the ability to read people and situations, but also share the emotional facets of teaching. Professionals in this field understand how difficult this career is, but most have the desire to continue to make it better.
One must also work through some of the negative components that come with teacher leaders, such as nepotism, being chosen as a “favorite” in your district, and even decisions that might be perceived as negatively affecting students and teachers alike. But research and teacher leader initiatives will help balance those perceptions, as well as data-driven decision-making. All can be overcome when purposeful collaboration occurs inside and outside the classroom.
Becoming a teacher leader brings on both tough challenges and meaningful celebrations. It requires thoughtfulness, patience, listening, empathy, and a great desire to reach for those practices that can change lives. Enrolling in a master’s program for teacher leadership will change not only the lives of the individual but potentially thousands of others in a career.
Only the most highly driven teachers can achieve success in this category. Experience can get one only so far, but with more education, a teacher can elevate to levels beyond desire, if you only take the chance and harness your capabilities.
The Teacher Leader program helps you build skills in organizational change, research, curriculum development, instructional coaching and other leadership competencies needed in elementary, middle and high schools. Check out our available teacher leadership graduate degrees and get started today!
