Building Structures to Support Teacher Leadership

Cathy Galland, Ed.D.

Director, Southern Regional Professional Development Center

Why Are You Here?

Why Are You Here?

Session Objectives Participants will understand the various

definitions of teacher leadership. Participants will understand the importance

of teacher leadership. Participants will understand the structural

obstacles to effective teacher leadership. Participants will develop strategies to

overcome these obstacles in their districts.

What is a Teacher Leader?A teacher leader is a teacher who is committed

to improving professional learning opportunities for self and others (Wright, 2005), and is willing to “go public” by modeling, sharing and influencing others (Lieberman and Miller, 2005) as a part of his or her day-to-day work on behalf of children (Silva, Gimbert & Nolan, 2000).

Why do we need teacher leaders? “Teacher leadership appears to be

inseparable from successful school reform.” (Crowther, Kaagan, Ferfuson & Hann, 2002, p. xix)

“The notion that teaching will evolve into a leading profession depends on teacher leadership in schools” (Crowther, Kaagan, Ferfuson & Hann, 2002, p. 22).

Obstacles to Effective Teacher Leadership

Human Relations Structure

In my research, I chose to focus on structural obstacles. Structure can include both physical structure (building layout, etc) and organizational structure (policies, schedules, etc.)

StructureAlthough structural elements are

often overlooked, they are vital to the success

of school improvement!

“Successful implementation of a major new strategy usually requires changes in the organization structure to make it consistent with the strategy” (Yukl (2006, p. 302).

Structural ObstaclesCategories:

Role Clarity

Physical Structures

Organizational Structures

Structural ObstaclesRole Clarity Role ambiguity Role understanding Role conflict/tension

“My role as a teacher leader has never been addressed w/ myself or the others in my building.”

“Teachers in my own department understand my role; however, teachers in other departments resent my effectiveness.”

Structural ObstaclesPhysical Structure Building layout Space for collaboration Closed doors

“Our grade level teacher’s classrooms are scattered throughout the building.”

“We have ran out of room. Music is now on a cart. We have added modular buildings for 5th & 6th grades. We are also using storage areas for title classrooms.”

“The teachers lounge during lunch is the only time we have for collaboration, but the teachers usually complain about their personal lives.”

Structural ObstaclesOther Organizational Obstacles Time for collaboration Schedules Team structures

“Team meetings are not regularly scheduled or checked on.”

“We are a small school with one classroom of each grade.”

“Too many 5th grade teachers cannot have the same plan time, so we are split up.”

“Not enough collab time!!”

Research Findings – Good News & Bad News

Bad News – my research did indicate there was a significant relationship between each of these structural elements and effective teacher leadership.

Good News – some of these structural barriers can be easily removed.

Role ClarityOf the three categories, role clarity was found

to be the most predictive structural element of teacher leader effectiveness.

But, all the other elements were significant as well: physical layout, space for collaboration, scheduling, and team structures.

The Good News

Role Clarity is the easiest to fix!!!! You don’t have to find space or time to fix this piece!!!!!!!

What role do teacher leaders play in your district?

Is their role informal or formal? Is their role clearly defined? Is it included in school or district

documents? Have these teacher leaders received

training to help them fulfill this role?

Idea Sharing Role Clarity Physical Layout Space for Collaboration Scheduling Team Structures

Planning for Effective Teacher Leadership

What can I do when I get home to help support teacher leadership?

Planning Form

Go back to the “Gallery of Ideas” as you complete.

Additional ideas from my research.

Teacher Leadership SeriesTopics include: Structures necessary to support teacher leadership Role definitions Administrator support Creating time for collaboration Facilitating team meetings Building trust/relationships Working with adult learners Motivating reluctant teachers Problem solving for difficult situations Keeping yourself motivated

Questions????

Galland-C@mssu.edu

www.mssu.edu/srpdc