Executive Summary of the Teacher Leader Model

Al November (2001) suggests that in this fast paced world of technology and its impact on schools, educational leaders will need to help their colleagues understand how to move from an isolated classroom to a team-based environment and a learner-centered classroom.  He believes that “Teaching teachers to use technology is relatively simple (automating) but helping teachers to share student work, solve real world problems and build relationships (information) becomes a much more complex opportunity.  This means that leaders must understand how to manage change and support risk-taking teachers as well as crafting a vision where technology is clearly viewed as simply the digital plumbing of the organization.  Jennifer James (1996) talks about leaders and change in her book “Thinking in the Future Tense.”  She states “Most change isn’t neat but often seems constant and unrelenting and there is no relief, no easy measure of success or sense of closure.  Learning how to respond to and master the process of change is he critical leadership skill for the twenty-first century because constant, rapid change will be a fact of life for all of us both personally and professionally.”  Professional development trainings in this model give teachers the opportunities to develop skills and best practices.  Emerging technologies empower teachers in two ways: 1) Communication through technology dramatically expands and changes the relationship among people within and outside an organization, and 2) Teacher involvement in training and coaching their peers helps them to develop their skills, increases peer networking, and improves curriculum development.

The 5 Components & Timeframe of a
“Teacher Leader for Technology Integration”

Professional Development Model:

1. Teacher Selection (Phase 1  - Selection of Teachers – One Month @ Spring or Fall of Year)

•  Project proposed and disseminated to all teachers

• Applications mailed to 100% of teaching staff

• Teachers return application with letters of support from two colleague

• Principals return letters of recommendations/endorsements.

2. Teacher Leader Training Concepts (Phase 2 – Teacher Trainings Over the School Year)

• Leadership

• Facilitation

• Technology Skills – Technology Integration

• Teaching and Learning Standards

• Adult Learners

3. Teacher Leader Roles & Responsibilities (Phase 3 - Assessments of Building Technology Training Needs – One Semester &/or School Year)

• Two 1/2 day trainings back in school based on technology needs assessment

• Peer mentoring to “low technology user” teachers

4. Teacher Leader Toolkit (Phase 4 –Study Groups & On-the-Job Learning – One School Year)  

• Kit given to each teachers as they start the training

• Up dates as new materials be come available

• Incorporates appropriate individual state materials

5. Online Evaluation & Reporting (Phase 5 – Teachers Hosting 1/2 day Trainings and Mentoring – One Semester or School Year)

• Teacher self assessment done on line

Expectations/Evaluations of workshops done on line.