You Don’t Need A Formal Title To Be A Teacher Leader

TEACHERS ARE LEADERS

You don’t need a formal title to be a teacher leader

Teacher leadership is “the process by which teachers, individually or collectively, influence their colleagues, principals, and other members of school communities to improve teaching and learning practices with the aim of increased student learning and achievement” (York-Barr & Duke, 2004, pp. 287-288). But there are many different ways that process of influence can be achieved. Often, we think of teacher leaders as those with officially defined responsibilities outside their classrooms (Wenner & Campbell, 2017). But educators can also be teacher leaders in a more informal way, by stepping up to fill a need or lending their experience and insight to benefit students, colleagues, and the school as a whole. I stumbled onto this lesson by accident, but that stumble set me on a leadership journey

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References

Danielson, C. (2007). The many faces of leadership. Educational Leadership, 65(1), 14-19.

French, J.R.P., Jr. & Raven, B. (1959). The bases of social power. In D. Cartwright (Ed.), Studies in social power (pp. 150-167). University of Michigan.

Wenner, J.A. & Campbell, T. (2017). The theoretical and empirical basis of teacher leadership: A review of the literature. Review of Educational Research, 87(1), 134-171.

York-Barr, J. & Duke, K. (2004). What do we know about teacher leadership? Findings from two decades of scholarship. Review of Educational Research, 74(3), 255-316.

Kim Richardson

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Dr. Kim is a dynamic leadership strategist and ICF Professional Certified Coach® with a wealth of experience designing transformational learning and development programs. As the Chief Learning Officer of Keep Rising, she partners with organizations to elevate leadership capability, engagement, and culture through innovative learning design and people-centered strategy.

Known for her infectious energy and dynamic facilitation, Dr. Kim helps leaders be their best selves as they translate insight into action. Her expertise spans leadership development, coaching, organizational culture, and learning strategy. A sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, she has worked with national organizations and conferences including ASCD, Learning Forward, and the Instructional Coaching Group. She currently serves as President-Elect of Learning Forward Virginia, where she continues to champion professional learning as the engine of lasting leadership growth.

Now transitioning to retirement Dr. Kim brings 30 years of experience in education—as a teacher, coach, principal, and central office administrator—to leaders and organizations ready to grow. As an ICF-certified coach and PhD in Leadership, her passion is helping individuals and teams rise with purpose and authenticity. Her podcast Rise Up and Lead explores real lessons and stories from leaders who choose to grow from the inside out.

When she's not helping others rise, Dr. Kim is joyfully singing in her church, dancing as a licensed Zumba® instructor, and spending time with her husband, three sons, and granddaughter.