As I reflect on community involvement for teacher leaders, several scenarios come to mind where teacher leaders step up and get involved in the betterment of their community. Then I think about the teachers I know who don't want to have the time commitment of community involvement. There seems to be an unwritten rule that teachers should work outside of school hours to help with clubs, PTO functions, etc. and some teachers jump in and some are bitter.
I can understand both viewpoints. Of course, its better for your school and the community to reach out and make improvements while sharing that educational and worthwhile experience with your students. On the other hand, an entry level teacher's pay starts out at barely $30,000. With student loans and family obligations, it can be very difficult for a teacher to provide that extra time which may require the use of babysitters or time away from a second job (and I know many teachers with second jobs).
Club members and advisers (teacher leaders) for FBLA in my area have done a clothing drive. A local elementary school PTO has received support from the principal and staff to hold a food drive. They have also participated in a recycling program to recycle ink cartridges and cell phones. I have seen many teachers open up their classrooms to students after school in order for them to have additional time to complete assignments particularly due to computer programs needed.
There are countless ways teacher leaders can improve their community. This can help turn a student who has too much potential to get in trouble into someone with hope for themselves. When that student can stay after school and improve their grade, have better clothes provided, more food on the table or be a part of a club then they can have a better outlook on life and be a better young citizen, which helps all of us. I just wish those teacher leaders could be better rewarded for their hard work in improving our communities.
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