Nature of the Program

This program emphasizes the preparation of teachers as leaders in curriculum reform, instructional improvement and meaningful school change. Participants will gain an understanding of:

• individual leadership styles;
• curriculum trends, innovative programs and reflective practices;
• how to apply this knowledge to real classroom situations;
• issues and challenges relating to our diverse student population;
• ways to communicate more effectively with other teachers, administrators, students and the community.

In addition, participants will participate in a group project and develop and implement a year-long project with their principal that will affect their campus, area or the district.

Who Should Participate?

The program is designed for teachers who wish to become more informed and effective in roles such as master teacher, instructional team leader, curriculum planner, teacher specialist or department chair.

What Can Teacher Leaders Do in the Schools?

• Assume a more comprehensive teacher's role, which includes becoming more knowledgeable about professional and research issues.
• Serve as instructional resource persons in the school and be available for peer coaching.
• Serve as mentors to beginning teachers. Assist them with course planning, classroom organization, delivery of instruction and personal issues such as stress associated with entering the profession.
• As department or team leaders, recommend communication links, coordinate curriculum planning and suggest staff development guidelines based on research findings.
• Provide the knowledge base for issues discussed in school improvement meetings.
• As members of local evaluation teams, investigate local school curriculum practices using standards and recent evaluation techniques.
• Assist with local dissemination of information about trends in curriculum research.
• Identify solutions for local problems that can lead to better schools.
• Organize action research groups and share results with other teachers and administrators.

Teacher Leaders develop substantial knowledge in meaningful trends related to the teaching of subject matter and leadership interaction. They can make significant contributions by applying their knowledge to solving real problems in school today.

Philosophy

The underlying assumption is that teachers can be leaders in change, that school-based changes should be encouraged and rewarded and that cohorts of teacher leaders must be formed who can lead their peers through school reform. One of the most effective ways of impacting the largest number of students is by influencing teachers.

Criteria for Selection

Applicants must:

• be an AISD employee
• have a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience;
• be able to attend all scheduled meetings;
• be willing to collaborate in professional learning communities;
• complete an application that includes:
  • a written statement about the applicant's desire to be in the program;
  • three letters of recommendation- including one from the principal;
  • a resume which includes evidence of leadership accomplishments;
  • a signed letter of commitment to the program by both the applicant and the principal.

Length of Program

The program is a one-year program. The cohort group meets for a full day once per month for a total of eight (8) times. The program pays for substitutes. Attendance is mandatory.

Benefits of the Teacher Leadership Program

• Incorporate the Principles of Learning in a study of Reflective Practices.
• Develop leadership abilities.
• Build a network with other teacher leaders in AISD.
• Participate in book study groups.

Adapted from Awakening the Sleeping Giant: Leadership Development for Teachers by Marilyn Katzenmeyer and Gayle Moller; Corwin Press; 1996.

For information, contact Sheila Gragg in the Professional Development Dept. at 414-3843.