What makes teacher leadership especially critical today?
The United States is fortunate to have thousands of hard working and committed educators in classrooms in every corner of our nation — men and women whose dedication is the bedrock, not just of our schools, but of entire communities. However, education is changing and reflects a new commitment to higher academic standards, more rigorous assessments, increased requirements for graduation, access to better tools, accountability, and enhanced preparation and professional development for teachers. These changes mean greater challenges and better opportunities for all people involved in education, but especially so for those on the front lines who manage teaching and learning in classrooms around the nation.

What kinds of leadership roles are teachers taking today?
The Carnegie Task Force on Teaching as a Profession identifies some key responsibilities of teacher leadership teams: establishing a school mission, setting performance standards, developing operational policies and procedures, framing a curriculum, selecting materials and instructional practices, allocating school resources, determining student standards and assessments, assigning students to classes, organizing school schedules, planning and conducting staff development, mentoring other professionals, establishing student discipline and grading practices, and selecting and evaluating staff.

How are teachers prepared to take leadership roles?
Current programs for teacher education reform clearly recognize new directions for teachers as leaders, researchers, learners, collaborators, and as team members. While slow to develop, many districts are providing quality staff development to build teachers' skills. In addition, teacher forums are developing throughout the country. Professional associations are investing time and resources in training their members as well as in building the culture for "openness and listening." A good example is the process of National Board Certification and the subsequent study groups. Teacher listservs and chat rooms are growing as ideas are exchanged.

What is a teacher's greatest challenge as a leader?
Increased and effective leadership requires the commitment from teachers to get involved and the commitment from communities to listen to what teachers have to say. Stepping forward is never easy. This is especially true in times of accountability. Today's teachers must feel secure enough in themselves to participate. Too often, we hear teachers say, "but I am just a teacher" when introducing themselves or adding to a conversation. Although proud of their accomplishments, teachers often are reluctant to bring attention to their successes because they feel they are bragging. A strong image as a professional needs to be cultivated and the courage to act as professionals and leaders must be rewarded.

What words of advice can you offer today's up and coming leaders?
New and emerging leaders need to realize that the quality of education affects the quality of our lives. Our future depends on the strength of our economy, the vitality of our communities, and our spirit as a people. Teachers must have the courage and the professional commitment to demand excellence in teaching, leading, and learning as we continue this journey into the 21st century.

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