Teacher Leadership: What Do Principals and Teachers Perceive about Roles, Characteristics, and Qualities?

• In Event: Roundtable Session 39
  In Roundtable Session: Learning Communities for School Improvement

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover perceptions of teachers and principals regarding teacher leadership. The researchers investigated how selected teachers and administrators defined teacher leadership, and how they perceived roles, characteristics, and qualities of teacher leaders. Four themes emerged from the results: collaboration, interpersonal relationships, managing the work, and teaching and learning. Results showed that teacher leaders often acted in a collaborative environment and expected others to be collaborative. Developing and maintaining positive relational skills were of importance. Managing work-related tasks included: focusing on the vision and mission of the school, developing plans, and initiating tasks. Important activities related to teaching and learning were planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional practices and student outcomes.

Authors

• Suzanne M. Harrison, George Fox University

• Ginny D. Birky, George Fox University