Defining Teacher Leadership Module 1 - Swiger

What is your general definition of teacher leadership?

I believe a general definition of teacher leadership consists of a strong foundation in modeling the concept of being a lifelong learner, believing all students possess the capability to learn and surrounding yourself with a support system of administrators, colleagues, parents and community members. A  teacher leader as a lifelong learner doesn’t become stagnant, seeks opportunities for self-improvement, asks for and dispenses advice in a positive manner and is sensitive to the needs of others.  In my opinion, if you believe in all students as learners, then a teacher leader is willing (not forced) to participate in professional development opportunities that directly benefits students.  By surrounding yourself with a support system, this displays the ability to collaborate and network. Throughout my experiences as an educator, I’ve never witnessed a teacher leader that depended on isolation to succeed.

What examples of teacher leadership have you observed or experienced?

Some examples of teacher leadership I’ve experienced include participating in the Teacher Leadership Institute, developing staff development sessions in regards to benchmark testing and technology tools and skills. Also, writing and receiving professional development school grants based on social networking and using e-readers to promote digital literacy based on Lexile reading scores.  I’ve attended and presented at state-wide and national conferences which led to new resources, new connections and new ideas.  Examples of observing teacher leadership include teacher leaders displaying the skills of an efficient facilitator, contagious motivation, and recognizing the strength in others and fostering these strengths.

How is leadership for meaningful technology integration different from other kinds of leadership?

I don’t believe leadership for technology integration varies significantly from other kinds of leadership.  Meaningful technology integration shouldn’t be considered as a separate concept.  If you are a curriculum leader, an instructional leader, etc…then you should base technology integration on the same basic principles that define you as a leader.  

From your perspective, what are the benefits and the challenges of teacher leadership for technology (for teachers, for students, for schools, for the profession)?

Teachers (challenges) -meaningful professional development sessions and should be based on the needs of the school and teacher led, time provided to explore, and develop technology integration into the curriculum, the challenge of understanding how our students are learning out of school(new literacies)

Students  (challenges)– access to internet at school and home, economic status can lead to some students being exposed to devices and programs while others do not have the same opportunities (so this is why schools need equal access to equipment and resources)

Schools (challenges) -  budget, resources and a professional development mindset among all stakeholders

Profession  (challenges) -  Based on observation, some teacher leaders do not remain in the classroom.  I think it would be interesting to find out why they leave and what would make them stay.  

The benefits of being a teacher leader in technology is the pure excitement of currently teaching in a time period that is ever-changing, challenging and preparing students for the 21st century workplace.  Being a teacher leader isn't defined by being old or young, I believe it's disposition.