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The development and use of elementary mathematics specialists (EMSs) is an indispensable approach for improving mathematics instruction in schools. This holistic singular‐case study explored the teacher leadership of 26 EMSs across a three‐year period as they developed in their informal teacher leader role during a five‐year mathematics professional development program. To examine participants' teacher leader work and intended influences of these efforts, quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Findings of a teacher leader record show the prevalence, variability, audiences, and shifts in their teacher leader efforts, with the interview data illuminating complexity and extensions. In their advocacy for ambitious and equitable instruction, the EMSs sought to support students, families, teachers, administrators, and community members in particular ways. Shifts were observed as they became more comfortable with their roles and responsibilities as teacher leaders. They were increasingly positioned as holders of expertise within communities of practices in their schools, contributing to more influence in their settings. EMSs reported not only supporting teachers through leading professional development but advocating for students and best practices informally in ad hoc hallway conversations. Notably, the EMSs recognized expertise in fellow teachers and sought to elevate them as leaders.
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“Give each other grace”: using rehearsals to grow shared expertise in a community of teacher leaders
Classroom-based teacher leaders assume a variety of roles includ- ing being a model of effective instruction and supporting others to improve instruction. However, some teachers may be reluctant to engage in novel pedagogies. In working with 34 experienced tea- chers in their final year of a teacher leadership fellowship, we developed a rehearsal activity toward the co-creation of principles for supporting reticent colleagues. Using thematic content analysis, we analyzed rehearsal scripts and subsequent discussion. We exam- ined what their rehearsals revealed about their perspectives on supporting reticent colleagues and how rehearsals can be used to build knowledge for leadership practice. We found evidence that considering realistic scenarios through scripting and rich discussion was a useful approach for supporting emerging leaders. Teacher leaders drew on their expertise to collectively develop three guid- ing principles for supporting reticent colleagues. We re-envisioned rehearsals to leverage the knowledge of experienced teachers and identified four components of effective rehearsal for building net- worked expertise.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1240127
- PAR ID:
- 10500607
- Editor(s):
- N//A
- Publisher / Repository:
- Routledge: Taylor and Francis Group
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- International Journal of Leadership in Education
- ISSN:
- 1360-3124
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 1 to 24
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Teacher Leaders Leadership Rehearsals
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2023.2218109
