Teacher Leadership

An introduction to Teacher Leadership

Join us for a transformative conference experience this summer as we delve into the fundamentals of teacher leadership. The session focuses on exploring the significance of teacher leadership, its definition and its purpose. We will delve into the roles, competencies, and standards involved with this pivotal aspect of educational practice. By the end of this session, participants will emerge equipped with a deeper understanding of teacher leadership and will be empowered to play a proactive role in shaping their school's learning environment.

Session Offerings

Teacher Leader.mp4

Why Teacher Leadership

The push for teacher professionalism and increased leadership responsibilities stems from the recognition that teachers, as they interact with students on a daily basis, possess the expertise to make crucial decisions concerning instruction and the enhancement of schools. As noted by Howey (1988) and Livingston (1992), teachers are better equipped to implement changes in a comprehensive and consistent manner. Furthermore, the drive to expand teacher responsibilities is driven by the continuous imperative to draw and retain skilled educators.

Who is a Teacher Leader?

A teacher leader is someone who impacts students and teachers outside his or her classroom. Teacher leaders are the heart of a school. They are the silent partners in decision-making. They are always available to set an example and exemplify the mission and vision of the school. Through daily commitment to students and teachers, they support and sustain the life and culture of a school.

 "Leadership in instructional practice means something more than being the best possible teacher within the four walls of one classroom— it means reaching out and sharing great teaching with others, including fellow educators, but also extending to a broad range of stakeholders. Successful teacher leaders do not keep their effective practices to themselves; they spread that knowledge to others in order to benefit all students." http://www.nbpts.org/

Teacher Leadership Bitmoji Classroom (Diamond, Marie, and Maya) - Marie Putzke

What is Teacher Leadership?

Teacher leadership is the process by which teachers, individually or collectively, influence their colleagues, principals, and other members of the school communities to improve teaching and learning practices with the aim of increased student learning and achievement. Such team leadership work involves three intentional development foci: individual development, collaboration or team development, and organizational development. (pp. 287.288)


Teacher LeaDership KNowledge skills and dispositions

From: Leading in Sync: Teacher Leaders and Principals Working Together for Student Learning Publisher: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Teacher Leadership PD Series: 

Lead from Where You Are

HCS Teacher Leadership SEries Important documents

Teacher Leadership TL Series Tracker by Session

Teacher Leadership Series 

PD Tracker

Teacher Leadership Series 

PD Registration

Teacher Leadership PD Offerings 2024-25

Communication FULL DAY 

Leadership & Communication w/Heather Peterson

This interactive session will provide an opportunity for participants to assess their communication style and the implications for personal growth and teacher leadership.


Failure to Communicate w/Dr. Kim Richardson

Participants will define the difficult conversation and learn about its categories and traits. Leave with strategies on how to avoid mishandling a difficult conversation, making it worse, or avoiding it altogether.

Leadership FULL DAY

Leading Change w/Heather Peterson 

This interactive session will explore the challenges associated with change. We will identify how to maximize teacher leadership competencies during times of change. Participants will learn strategies to help themselves and others navigate change successfully.

Leading w/Influence and the Brain in Mind w/Dr. Kim Richardson

Come learn about valuable tools rooted in a brain-based framework designed to enhance self and social awareness and improve the quality of daily interactions. The model provides a means of bringing conscious awareness to our approach when collaborating with and influencing others. It is guaranteed to guide our choice of words and actions.


Collaboration FULL DAY

Group & Team Dynamics w/Heather Peterson

Participants will explore the role of teacher leaders in navigating group and team dynamics. This interactive session will dive into practices to increase collaboration and minimize barriers. We will investigate strategies for facilitating effective meetings and improving communication among teams.

Relational Trust w/Dr. Kim Richardson

Participants will learn about the role of relational trust in a school community and how trust connects to teacher leadership competencies and standards. They will identify the trust facets and determine why they are important to our work in schools.

DEI and Cultural Responsiveness.

DEI and Cultural Responsiveness FULL DAY

Cultivating Socially-Just Learning Environments w/Dr. Kim Richardson

Come learn how to demonstrate an awareness of characteristics of socially-just environments. Participants will explore information about socially-just learning environments and Identify strategies for moving toward a more socially-just classroom. 

Connecting with Diverse Learners w/Heather Peterson

Teacher leaders often have to provide learning opportunities for other adults as well as facilitate collaborative groups. This session will provide tools to help navigate the world of adult learners. Come learn strategies for providing high quality learning opportunities and how to work with difficult and resistant staff members.

Visit the HCS e-Library to expand your journey into teacher leadership. 

See the titles below and more to support your learning. 

This book prepares teachers for leadership roles with specific how-to's for the essential skills needed most, including running meetings, teaching colleagues, providing feedback, conducting needs assessments, delivering effective professional development, resolving conflicts, and employing technology. 

Explains the four critical areas of teaching and describes how educators can use an approach that increases student success. Offers step-by-step instructions for developing a curriculum document, planning your instructional activities, choosing a set of classroom assessment tasks, and recording meaningful feedback on student performance.

This book discusses barriers as obstacles to overcome, and how they strengthen teachers in their pursuit of excellence. It explains how not to make excuses but instead, make a plan for life, and work to make it a reality. The author, a longtime teacher, presenter, and school leader, shares personal and professional stories and strategies that will make your own leadership both intentional and impactful.

This book aims to encourage schools to become more innovative and entrepreneurial, finding better ways to help students learn. The process involves seven steps: starting with moral purpose, unleashing curiosity, building on bright spots, peer coaching toward precision, leading from the inside out, and moving the goal posts.

Leverage LEadership

 Handouts, training material, and videos are offered to help enhance your learning.