The Principal’s Role inSupporting Teacher LeadershipTo Improve Student Outcomes

Rhonda HoytEDAD 854

Teachers As Leaders

• Specific Expertise• May be curriculum, assessment, classroom

mgmt

• Supports Principal’s Leadership• Shared organizational goals

Teachers As Leaders

• Shared Decision Making• Authority to make some decisions

• Extends Capacity of Principal• Principal can focus on leading

The Effect of Principal’s Values

on Development of Teacher Leaders

• Principal sets tone• Creates climate for leadership or not

• Reinforces desired behaviors• Can be either positive or negative

reinforcement

The Effect of Principal’s Values

on Development of Teacher Leaders

• Assigns responsibilities• Shows with actions whether teacher

leaders are expected/accepted

Conditions Affecting Leadership Behaviors

• Experience• From previous positions

• Knowledge Base• Content areas, classes

Conditions Affecting Leadership Behaviors

• Personal Characteristics• Energy level, people skills

• Beliefs about Appropriate Roles• For self and other admin or subordinates

Conclusion

• Teachers have great potential for leadership

• Principal strongly influences climate for leadership

• Effective leaders increase leadership capacity of those around them

Resources

Chata, Charles C. PhD and Loesch, Larry C, PhD, Future School Principal’s Views of the Roles of Professional School Counselors. Professional School Counseling, Vol 11 No 1, Oct 2007.

Levin, Jessie, Teacher Leadership, Policy Update; National Association of State Boards of Education, Vol 16, No 10; Dec 2008

Murphy, J., Elliott, S. N., Goldring, El, & Porter, A. (2007, August) Learning-Centered leadership: A conceptual foundation. Nashville TN, Learning Sciences Institute, Vanderbuilt University. Downloaded 10/1/09 from http://www.wallacefoundation.org/wallace/learning.pdf

Rath, Tom & Conchie, Barry. Strength Based leadership; Gallup Press 2008

Tozer, Steven E., Senese, Guy, & Violas, Paul C.; School and Society: Historical & Contemporary Perspectives 6th ed, McGraw Hill, 2009