Learning Module 1 - Defining Teacher Leadership

What is your general definition of teacher leadership?
Teacher leadership can be defined as the ability to encourage and support colleagues through a variety of expertise and experience. Teacher leaders constantly strive toward finding new ways to improve education.

What examples of teacher leadership have you observed or experienced?
During my student teaching experience, I was blessed with a teacher who provided me with her wisdom and encouragement. While she was willing to let me try new things, she also told me what worked for her. The county I work in has recently began hiring curriculum specialists and instructional coaches. These experienced teachers provide support for classroom teachers as well as bring new literacies into the schools.

How is leadership for meaningful technology integration different from other kinds of leadership?
Teacher leaders wishing to promote meaningful technology intergration can face a different set of challenges. They must have a broad knowledge of technology. Technology integration into the traditional classroom may be resisted. They must prove that new literacies through technology offer students a meaningful and thorough learning experiences. Additionally, they must offer support for colleagues who may be less knowledgeable about such technology.

From your perspective, what are the benefits and the challenges of teacher leadership for technology (for teachers, for students, for schools, for the profession)?
From my perspective as a person with a Business Education degree, the benefits of teacher leadership for technology are vast. Today, students are comfortable with technology and use it in everyday life. Through using technology to provide additional learning experiences in the classroom, students will be more engaged.

Teacher leadership for technology also has its challenges. Resistance from more traditional classroom teachers, lack of technical knowledge, lack of equipment and funding - name just a few.