NCCAT
BB&T Teacher Leadership Institute
BB&T Teacher Leadership Institute
Standard I of The North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards requires that teachers demonstrate leadership that extends beyond their own students. They should mentor other teachers, work to advance the profession, advocate for positive change in policy and practice, and participate in the implementation of educational initiatives. Those duties, however, are more often associated with administrators. One of the grand ironies of education is that the most effective practitioners are often rewarded with promotions that take them away from their practice. If ambitious, creative, effective teachers could remain in the classroom while still finding means to have a school- or district-wide impact, the entire system would benefit. In this seminar, we will examine our work settings and our roles in them. We will develop means to integrate intellectual growth and leadership skills into our classrooms and those of our colleagues. We will explore the many options open to classroom teacher-leaders. We will also step out of our comfort zones for a day of engaging with the US Coast Guard to examine their teamwork and leadership models. Finally, each participant will develop an individual action plan for attaining a necessary outcome at their school or district level. Teachers will engage virtually before the residential part of the seminar to make introductions, review leadership resources, and create networks with other educators. This seminar is made possible by a generous grant from BB&T.
Essential Learning Outcomes
Participants will
identify and discuss ways they demonstrate leadership in their classrooms, schools, and the teaching profession.
identify and discuss ways they lead by advocating for schools and students.
create and share an individual action plan for attaining a necessary outcome at their school or district level.
First things first...introductions
So that we can make the most of our time at NCCAT--as well as build supportive networks with other educators across North Carolina--let's get to know one another. Please click here to share where you live and 3 things about yourself - the 3 P's - using an online tool called Padlet. Please share one thing Professional, Personal, and Peculiar.
Teacher Leadership Resources
Below are several links to leadership resources for you to explore as we prepare for our week together at NCCAT. We realize that time is extremely valuable to you but hope you will benefit from reviewing these resources. If you have comments, questions, or concerns about these resources--or would like to share any yourself--please email NCCAT Center Fellow Alton Ballance, at ballancea@nccat.org.
Standard 1 North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards
Understanding Teacher Leadership
Please read Chapter 1 from Marilyn Katzenmeyer and Gayle Moller's book Awakening the Sleeping Giant: Helping Teachers Develop as Leaders (click here) and complete the Teacher Leadership Readiness Instrument at the end. We will discuss the results during the seminar.
Leadership Reflection Questions
- What qualities does a good leader possess?
- What is the role of character in leadership?
- How do we cultivate caring relationships and build strong alliances - upon which teamwork and leadership depend?
- How do we promote team over self?
- How do we make change the norm and continue sailing uncharted waters?
- What are the most effective ways for teacher leaders to have an impact on emerging education issues?
- How do we empower our students with responsibility - even at their young ages- so the will eventually become leaders who will change the world?
If you'd like to comment on any of these questions please email NCCAT Center Fellow Alton Ballance, at ballancea@nccat.org.