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Although leadership can take different forms in different roles, many qualities of leaders overlap across all fields and careers. One important field that affects all others in society is education. Teachers can make a difference in the lives of their students by implementing key teacher leadership qualities. In order to set the right example for their students, teachers should build their teaching practices upon a solid foundation of leadership. In fact, all those who pursue careers in educational environments-including but not limited to teachers, central office leaders, nonprofit leaders, foundation leaders, and principals-can approach their positions as leaders in education. Since leadership is a way of being, leaders in different educational roles can make a difference by setting the right example for the students they impact. Students interested in pursuing careers as educational leaders can earn their Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership at American University.

What Is Leadership?

While leadership is implemented differently across various fields and careers, core leadership qualities remain the same. There are several essential qualities that constitute good leaders, from excellent communication and decision-making skills to integrity. Many educational leaders and scholars have researched and written about leadership in education and have created a definition of teacher leadership. This helps teachers and educational leaders set a trajectory for their careers. Two experts in this area who exhibit teacher leadership qualities in their own lives are Peter Senge and Ronald A. Heifetz.

According to Ronald A. Heifetz in his book Leadership Without Easy Answers, there is a crisis in leadership in every setting. He argues that the problem lies not only with the need for leaders but with the societal expectations placed on leaders. He offers a social contract including both theory and practice to potential leaders and those who look to leaders. He draws upon real-life examples of leaders, having researched their lives and decisions for several years. Heifetz also discusses how effective leaders understand when to lead by using authority and when to lead without using it.

In his article "The Dawn of System Leadership," Peter Senge also discusses leadership qualities. He addresses the need for system leaders in educational environments to cultivate collective leadership. He draws from Heifetz's concept of adaptive leadership, showing how pivotal leaders can be in cultivating an environment for learning. Senge explains certain key elements of leadership, such as adaptive work, which can be broken down into strategic and practical principles for leaders to implement in educational settings.

Teacher Leadership Qualities That Make a Difference

Individuals in different educational leadership roles can make a difference by exhibiting a variety of leadership qualities. One key teacher leadership quality consists of listening and reacting to situations accordingly. Teachers can take the time to listen to their students and respond carefully, clarifying any confusing information during periods of instruction. On a more personal level, teachers can establish relationships with students by being attentive to their concerns and treating them with patience and kindness. When students are dealing with difficult situations at home or at school, they will often trust a teacher who has an open heart and open ear to help them process what is happening.

Other leaders in education can also exhibit important leadership qualities in their roles. Central office leaders can make a difference by analyzing student and teacher data to improve educator goals and outcomes. They serve as advocates for effective learning so that students can receive a high-quality education. Other leaders such as principals implement leadership qualities such as organization and communication skills to effectively manage schools. Principals facilitate educational programs, communicate with parents, host trainings for teachers, as well as carry out other important educational duties.

When settings beyond public schools are considered, such as private schools, charter schools, independent programs, and nonprofit organizations, many additional leaders can be seen playing a role in educating students. In the modern education system, many nonprofit leaders and foundation leaders provide classes, school programs, foundations, and educational supplements for students. These leaders exhibit qualities such as problem-solving and decision-making skills on a daily basis, establishing a mission and vision for their organizations and foundations.

Setting the Right Example

Effective teachers and educational role models do not just have a role as a leader in their careers but rather live a life that exemplifies teacher leadership qualities. Leadership is not so much a job as it is a way of being. Leaders in different educational roles can set the right example for the individuals working for and alongside them through integrity, enthusiasm, and excellent communication. Teachers can set the right example for their students by expressing genuine excitement for learning and pursuing knowledge.

Educational leaders make a difference in their communities as well as their schools, as they cultivate safe and healthy learning environments. By raising up intelligent and effective lifelong learners, teacher leaders help promote critical-thinking skills that individuals can take with them throughout their lives.

Pursue a Career as a Teacher

To develop their own knowledge and critical-thinking skills, students preparing for meaningful careers in education can pursue higher education themselves. Students interested in making a difference in the lives of students and teachers can earn a Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership at American University. Students in the program develop the knowledge and skills necessary to create equitable and effective educational environments. Students who exhibit high levels of professional and academic excellence can build upon that foundation to have a greater impact in education.

Students in the program develop important leadership qualities, whether they are pursuing careers as teachers, central office leaders, principals, nonprofit organization leaders, or foundation leaders. If you are interested in developing your teacher leadership qualities, explore how the Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership program at American University can help you pursue your educational and professional goals.

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Setting the Right Example: Teacher Leadership Qualities That Make a Difference

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Although leadership can take different forms in different roles, many qualities of leaders overlap across all fields and careers. One important field that affects all others in society is education. Teachers can make a difference in the lives of their students by implementing key teacher leadership qualities.

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Skilled teachers have the power to make a real difference in the lives of students. But educators who exemplify leadership skills within the field are able to make an even greater impact. Teachers who learn to translate their successful classroom practices into a shared vision that can help drive the school, the district or even the industry forward can benefit students far beyond their classrooms.

A teacher's career trajectory doesn't follow the same gradual climb to the top that's common among other professions. Generally speaking, a seasoned instructor with years of experience will have virtually the same responsibilities as a teacher who is new to the job. But there are ways to develop as a leader in the field.

Read on as we explore the varying kinds of teacher leadership strategies and examine some of the most influential qualities effective educators share.

What is teacher leadership?

The U.S. Department of Education indicates that the quality of the classroom teacher and the strength of the institution's leader are the two school-based factors that have the greatest impact on a child's academic success. Teachers who are educational leaders seize the opportunity to step outside of the classroom to influence the education system as a whole.

The Center for Teaching Quality , the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the National Education Association came together to create the Teacher Leadership Institute . This collaborative organization created a report on teacher leadership competencies , which maintains that teacher leadership isn't an isolated task. It's a way of practicing education that continually prioritizes growth for students, colleagues, districts and school systems at large.

Those who lead, the report notes, don't do so just for self-development. Teacher leaders are committed to helping others achieve their potential, with the overarching goal of improving students' learning and classroom environments.

Research on the roles of teacher leadership illuminates how teachers can unleash their leadership potential throughout their careers-starting on day one. https://t.co/ov9511Uk86 pic.twitter.com/3AmQxnN5E5
- ASCD (@ASCD) October 5, 2019

According to , there are both formal and informal teacher leaders. Formal teacher leaders occupy official high-level roles, such as department chair, instructional coach or the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development school administrator. Teachers who are informal leaders emerge more organically. For example, an educator can take initiative to address a problem or propose a new program. Their influence stems from respect they've garnered from their colleagues through their teaching expertise rather than their official role.

Beyond the school environment, teachers can participate in district-wide teacher evaluation committees or curriculum teams. They can also present at regional or national conferences or serve on a state standards board. Simply speaking up as the voice of the teachers at school board meetings can establish your role as a leader.

The pathways to teacher leadership

The Teacher Leadership Institute has identified three methods of achieving teacher leadership, along with a number of overarching proficiencies educational leaders share. If you're hoping to assume a leadership role in your education career, you might consider the following pathways .

Instructional leadership

Many teachers excel in classroom instruction, but instructional leadership goes beyond being a great teacher in the classroom. Educators who are adept in instructional leadership also prioritize sharing effective teaching practices with others, leveraging technology when appropriate. True leaders in the field don't keep their successful techniques to themselves, but rather share their findings to benefit students in other classrooms.

Policy leadership

Education policy is at its best when informed by insight from accomplished teachers. Every decision made at the policy level has direct implications for classrooms and instruction. Some educational leaders even step out of their classroom roles to serve in policy positions at the school, district, state and national levels.

When teachers are willing to use their experience to make a difference at a policy level, our education system can begin to shape more effective standards and regulations that will adequately support student learning. Teachers who prioritize policy leadership can extend their influence to local, state and national education systems.

Association leadership

When educators understand how to create and guide meaningful, collective action, they're demonstrating association leadership. The ability to help multiple colleagues focus on a unified vision is what allows a teacher leader to improve the education system.

This requires keeping a keen eye on what is working and what is needed to help further support educators, learners and the learning environment. Teachers who are skilled at association leadership can often build bridges with administrators and other stakeholders to improve and advance quality instructional practice.

Overarching leadership competencies

Data from The Teacher Leadership Institute also identifies a number of overarching competencies educational leaders often exhibit. As you seek to make an impact in your own teaching practice, you might consider mastering some of the following skills:

Technological facility: Incorporating emerging technology as a tool to communicate with diverse audiences, facilitate collaboration and offer learning activities that would otherwise be inaccessible.

What will educational leadership look like in your career?

You now know about a number of ways you could broaden your impact as an educator. As you seek to enhance your teacher leadership skills, consider your goals within the field.

If you're hoping to progress to a formal leadership role, you may want to consider how a graduate degree could help get you there. Visit Brandman University's Master of Arts in Education, Educational Leadership program page to learn more.

Perhaps you're looking to gain new skills, but you're not in the market for a master's degree. There are a number of professional development opportunities you could consider. To peruse course offerings in leadership, pedagogy, classroom management and more, head to our Professional Development for Educators page .

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Teacher Leadership Skills: Make an Impact in Education

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Skilled teachers have the power to make a real difference in the lives of students. But educators who exemplify leadership skills within the field are able to make an even greater impact.

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Developing strength in any activity requires certain natural talents. Although it is occasionally possible to build a strength without acquiring the relevant knowledge or skills, it is never possible to possess a strength without the requisite talent. The key to building a bona fide strength is to identify your dominant talents and then refine them with knowledge and skills.

One need not have strength in every aspect of a role to excel in that role. That excellent performers must be well rounded is a pervasive myth. Excellent performers exhibit the following traits.

Rarely well rounded; on the contrary, they are sharp.

Find ways to manage around their weaknesses, freeing them to hone their strengths to a sharper point.

Work on weaknesses just enough so that they do not undermine strengths.

Ethics

Organizational leadership requires ethics. Ethics aids leaders in balancing truth and loyalty, individuals and communities, short-term and long-term, and justice vs. mercy. Ethics is not an inoculation or a compromise. It is a process and a lens by which leaders approach a problem situation. Ethics call on us to be impartial yet engaged. Effective leaders utilize ethics to look for the "hidden alternative" in ethically questionable situations. It is the compass by which leaders navigate not only right vs. wrong, but also right vs. right.

Communication

Communication is a tool for individuals to interface with one another, with groups, and with the rest of the world. It is not a text, email, phone call, or personal visit: these are methods/mediums of communication.

Effective communication requires an understanding of the VABEs (Values, Assumptions, Beliefs, Expectations) of those whom with we communicate. Understanding someone's worldview and VABEs enables leaders to acknowledge but look past differences, focus on areas of agreement, and to effectively listen for and hear the messages of others. Leaders can move beyond communication barriers (appearance, vocabulary, stutter, lisp, accent, etc.) and focus on the message of the speaker.

Leadership

It is often the case that people don't want to be leaders for fear of rejection. Leaders are able to rise above this natural fear and lead by the example of adding value to an organization. Managers and leaders are not the same. Leaders possess strategic thinking and not only an understanding of the vision of an organization, but also the ability to effectively carry out and communicate that vision. Anyone, anywhere, at any level can be a leader. The cornerstones of leadership are:

Truth telling

Promise keeping

Fairness

Respect for the individual

These four cornerstones combined will determine how the individual leader is perceived by others, and in the case of organizational leadership, perception is reality for all effective purposes. A manager may have been delegated responsibility over many individuals, but in failing to exhibit the cornerstones of leadership or not possessing the requisite strength, ethics, communication, or grasp of worldviews, that manager is not a leader. In fact, that manager may very well manage a leader who does possess leadership traits.

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Key Components of Organizational Leadership

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Developing strength in any activity requires certain natural talents. Although it is occasionally possible to build a strength without acquiring the relevant knowledge or skills, it is never possible to possess a strength without the requisite talent. The key to building a bona fide strength is to identify your dominant talents and then refine them with knowledge and skills.

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Organizational leadership is a management approach in which leaders help set strategic goals for the organization while motivating individuals within the group to successfully carry out assignments in service to those goals.
The company CEO, army general, political party leader, school superintendent, department head, team coach - these are but a few examples representing the two fundamental components of organizational leadership. First, there is the organization, which can be defined as "a group of people organized for some end or work." Then, there is the leader, the person responsible for directing or guiding that group.

According to Jessica Dihn and her co-authors in a 2013 article for "The Leadership Quarterly," the role of the leader is "to structure the way that the inputs of others are combined to produce organizational outputs." But what distinguishes an organizational leader (OL) from, say, a functional manager or an executive with other leadership qualities?

The key difference is that organization leaders combine business understanding with their roles as "future visionaries and forward-thinkers who lead broad initiatives using integrity and ethics," according to Dr. Linda Ellington, faculty lead for organizational leadership at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Organizational leadership, then, is a management approach in which leaders help set strategic goals for the organization while motivating individuals within the group to successfully carry out assignments in service to those goals.

"You have to be people-oriented," said Dr. Lowell (Chris) Matthews, associate professor of organizational leadership at SNHU. "Organizational leadership is about leading and managing individuals toward achieving a strategic organizational goal. So, an OL is a change-agent, someone who sees the big picture but also understands the processes or steps to making change happen."

Learning Organizational Leadership Skills and Mindsets

"If your goal is to influence people and impact the organization at the highest level possible, then you want to learn about organizational leadership," said Deborah Gogliettino, faculty lead for human resources at SNHU.

It's one thing to learn about a subject. But can the key skills and mindsets of organizational leadership be learned? According to Ellington, these include:

Problem-solving and decision-making

Communicating (especially listening) effectively

Relationship- and team-building (including developing leadership potential in others)

Identifying future innovations and opportunities

Understanding your business environment and operations

Using integrity and ethics

Thinking strategically, system-wide, and holistically

Spreading the organization's vision, and inspiring others to share in that vision

"People are not empty vessels," Ellington said. "They have unique experiences, talents and knowledge." And if they have the drive, commitment and passion to learn about organizational leadership, "we can teach them those OL skills and mindsets while also sprinkling in the business understanding," she said.

Of course, some people learn organizational leadership skills through real-world experiences. Yet the benefit of an education, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, is the chance to study theories about motivation, strategy and leadership, and then put those theories into practice without the same level of risk.

"After all, the practice is when you make mistakes - and we all make mistakes." said Ellington. "The difference is that in an education setting, no one is going to get fired or lose their company or go into debt. We provide a safe sandbox or playground for our students to try simulations and develop confidence in their abilities."

Ideally, theory and practice go hand in hand. "The analogy that I use for my students is that of a medical doctor who goes to medical school and obtains their degree," said Matthews. "They know the theory, but until they start practicing medicine with patients, the theory only gets you so far." Conversely, of course, patients generally want a doctor who also has the theoretical training, not just medical knowledge that comes from learning "by doing."

Organizational Leadership Jobs and Careers

"A person with a degree in organizational leadership can be expected to fill a management or leadership role in an organization that has to constantly be prepared for change," said Matthews. "These roles may be in human resources or more supervisory positions that are industry-specific. The good thing about OL is that it's needed for all types of organizations."

These include organizations, businesses, and enterprises in the:

Public and private sectors

For-profit and not-for-profit realms

Centralized and decentralized institutions

New start-ups and global conglomerates

As a result, it's possible for organizational leaders "to work in places that fit who they are in terms of their core values," said Gogliettino.

The other potential benefit of work in this field is with regard to compensation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the "median annual wage for management occupations was $102,590 in May 2017, which was the highest wage of all the major occupational groups."

While some jobs have "organizational leader" in the title, more often than not, OL isn't the title on your employee ID, according to Ellington. Instead, she said, "it's the mindset, the talent, the love of people, and the courage and desire to drive and influence change. An OL has the ability to look wider and deeper, and to bring an advanced skill set to company's decision-making and strategic thinking."

"The OL is that person who is going to be in a position of influence," Gogliettino said. "That can be an HR person or someone in benefits, it could be an administrator for a not-for-profit or a small business owner. There are lots of titles for which a person could be the OL. The real question is: Does this job or position help the organization move forward?"

Looking ahead, Gogliettino said the job and career prospects in organizational leadership are "constant and long-term. There is always going to be a need for skilled organizational leaders - today, tomorrow, and afterward. Organizations will always embrace someone who can bring a vision, especially one of growth and sustainability. That's a trend I don't ever see going away."
Susan Bogle is a marketing and student recruitment specialist in higher education. Follow her on Twitter @Suze1776 or connect on LinkedIn.

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Organizational leadership is a management approach in which leaders help set strategic goals for the organization while motivating individuals within the group to successfully carry out assignments in service to those goals. The company CEO, army general, political party leader, school superintendent, department head, team coach - these are but a few examples representing the two fundamental components of organizational leadership.

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Blue and Black Timeline Presentation (1)

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Teacher leaders are both teachers and leaders. Teacher leaders are or have been teachers with significant teaching experience, are known to be excellent teachers, and are respected by their peers.

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The actual practice of teacher leadership takes on the appearance of a distributive or democratic leadership model; how leadership practice is distributed among positional and informal leaders as well as their followers.

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it is a process and not a trait

teacher leadership can be taught, transferable, teachable

it is not only individual but also collective

the action statement of leadership is influenced (an act of influence, influencing friends,  colleagues, principals)

has one aim, not aimless (o increase student achievement and learning

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1.    Ensure focus on the progress and development of individual students.

2.    Identify and reduce barriers to learning. Leaders are problem solvers.

3.    Assure the quality of learning and teaching.

4.    Get the best from teachers

6.    Create a learning culture.

7.    Build relationship with the community. School leaders build network

8.    Provide vision, inspiration, and strategic coherence.

9.    Raise expectations