Teacher Leadership: What do we Know?
Context for the Research: In a recent Learning Forward article, Joellen Killion summarized some exciting new research regarding teacher leadership. This body of work extends a similar study and basically delineates what we know about teacher leadership over the last 30 plus years. Findings: Interestingly, the findings from the most recent study paralleled those from the earlier work. Most research studies fail to adequately define teacher leadership. None of the studies linked teacher leadership directly to student learning. Four themes emerged as either facilitators or inhibitors to teacher leadership: Adequate Time Quality of relationships with peers and administrators Climate and structural factors Personal characteristics Connection to Practice: Teacher Leaders need time to plan, collaborate and reflect on next steps. Without planning, little will be accomplished. Provide time for planning and collaboration. Do not assume it will happen with