1. Advanced Teacher Influence
Introduction
(Machin, 2021)
Advanced teacher influence is defined by the degree to which teachers are provided opportunities to participate in important school-wide decisions (Donohoo, 2017).
Overview
Click the recording to hear an overview of this page. The transcript of this recording is to the right. (1:41 minutes)
Transcript for Recording
An essential step in building collective efficacy is utilizing advanced teacher influence. Advanced teacher influence allows teachers to expand their roles inside and outside the classroom. This video, from EngageNY, explains the roles and responsibilities of teacher leaders. These leaders provide diverse support. Teachers model, mentor, coach, observe, exchange information, and support their colleagues. There are five characteristics of teacher leaders. They are outward-focused or support their colleague's classrooms as much as their own. Teacher leaders are reflective practitioners, they look at success and tie it to student growth, and the overall teaching and learning practices. Teacher leaders are instructional leaders who can analyze student data to enhance instructional practices. Teacher leaders are also known as multiply leaders, leaders who invest in other colleagues to contribute to the success of all students. Teacher leaders also help to create a positive and supportive school culture. The article from ASCD describes the importance of and the qualities and skills of teacher leaders. Danielson also explains the three main areas of school life that benefit from the involvement of teacher leaders. Impacts on those three areas, within the department or team, across the school, and beyond the school.
Learning
What is a Teacher Leader?
"Within every school, there is a sleeping giant of teacher leadership, which can be a strong catalyst for making change" (Katzenmeyer & Moller 2001).
Watch this video (4:02 minutes) from EngageNY (2014), which explains the roles and responsibilities of teacher leaders. These leaders provide diverse support. Teachers model, mentor, coach, observe, exchange information, and support their colleagues.
(Ferlazzo, 2018)
Five Characteristics of Teacher Leaders
(Lumpkin & Wilson, 2014)
Outward Focused: A teacher leader is focused on students, families, and co-workers. A teacher leader may celebrate student growth in a colleague’s class as much as growth in his or her own classroom.
Reflective Practitioners: The success of a school is tied to reflection related to teaching and learning, effective practices, student growth, and systems.
Instructional Leaders: Teachers must analyze common student misconceptions, student data, instructional strategies, the quality of resources, and the ability of students to transfer key skills and knowledge.
Multiply Leaders: Teacher leaders invest in other staff members, and see the success of others as a way to contribute to the overall success of learners.
Create a Positive Culture: Through their norms and the way they interact with one another, teacher leaders cultivate a positive, supportive culture.
(Weber,2022)
Three Main Areas of School Life That Benefit From Teacher Leadership
Read this article, from ASCD (2007), where Charlotte Danielson describes the importance of and the qualities and skills of teacher leaders. Danielson also explains the three main areas of school life that benefit from the involvement of teacher leaders. Impacts on those three areas, within the department or team, across the school, and beyond the school, are further explained.
(Psencik et.al, 2022)
Summary of Advanced Teacher Influence
Reflection: Answer the following questions on the notetaking page.
What are ways teacher leaders drive change in your school?
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