Supporting School Leaders in the Implementation of a District-Supported, Teacher Leader–Developed Mentorship Model

• In Event: 25.047 - Role of Teachers in School Leadership and Improvement

Abstract

Grounded in the work of a larger grant funded project, this case study explores the role of school leaders in implementation of a mentorship plan aimed at supporting beginning teachers supported by a school district’s central administration and developed by district appointed teacher leaders. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, focus groups, and document reviews. Preliminary results show that principal and school leader support for teacher leadership varies greatly across the district and although teacher leaders felt empowered at the district-level, support at the school-level was not consistent. The study supports the need for professional learning related to building capacity for teacher leaders and the need for teacher leader evaluation system, particularly addressing relationship to improved student outcome

Authors

• Lisa Jo Vernon-Dotson, Rowan University

• Kathryn Luet, Rowan University

• Brie Morettini, Rowan University