Beyond Superheroes and Advocacy: A Model of Teacher Leadership Development

• In Event: Defining Teacher Leadership

Abstract

This paper describes a model of teacher leadership development that was developed from three literatures: teacher leadership, work redesign, and leadership development from the organizational sciences. The model posits relationships among contextual conditions, activities and experiences, and leadership conducive to teacher leadership development. Implications for policy and practice are explored. The paper argues that the increase in attention to and advocacy of teacher leadership has far outpaced attention to and understanding of how teacher leadership can be effectively developed. And without such attention and understanding, the promise of teacher leadership for school and educational improvement can be squandered.

Authors

• Jonathan Eckert, Wheaton College

• Mark A. Smylie, University of Illinois