One of the main reasons I went down the path of teacher leader to school leader is because I wanted to make a bigger impact in the lives of students.  As I’ve taken on more responsibilities as a teacher leader, I’ve found some ways to make a bigger impact.

1. Build relationships and trust

I’m not a very social person, so I never really understood the importance of building relationships.  I always found a few allies at each school I taught at, but I’m not one who needs to be friends with everyone. Since becoming a teacher leader, I’ve changed my tune.  Building relationships are important for educators, but it’s especially important for teacher leaders because you don’t really have any power.  As a teacher leader, you are trying to get teachers to change or put in some extra effort.  The only way to do this is through relationships.  People will work harder for people that they trust and like on a professional basis.  You don’t need to be so friendly that you go on vacations together, but you have to be someone that the teachers trust.

2. Communicate with your groups

I’ve noticed over the last couple of years how important communication is to keep everyone moving in the same direction.  As I’ve tried to move things in my math department and my 6th-grade team, communication has been key.  Communication shows everyone that you are continuing to work on the issue and are doing your parts.  It also keeps the issues that you are working on in the forefront of everyone’s minds.  In addition, it takes stress away from the teachers by having the calendar be driven by you.  I struggle with staying on top of things that I’m not leading and it stresses me out to have something pop up that I forgot about.  Emails and personal check-ins ahead of time keeps things from being forgotten and allows for smoother change.

3. Ask for support

We all know that we can’t do it all, but we feel like we should be able to handle anything that is thrown at us.  Splitting up the jobs allows everyone to feel a part of the change.  It also keeps the juggling that teacher leaders have to do to a manageable level.  All of the constant volunteers need a kick in the butt sometimes to let things go.  Allow people to help you!  In addition, you need to know who you can go to that is above you to help with the big decisions.  Know who is going to back you and who is not really listening when you talk.  I’ve been burned by going to the wrong person and thinking that they were going to back me, but actually went the opposite way in the last minute.  Even if it’s someone else’s fault that you can’t finish what you were working towards in your team, you still lose trust when it happens.  Find your allies that are above or beside you.  Your allies may be admin, in the district office, or they may be other teacher leaders.

4. Follow up based on the needs of the teachers

Following up is a great way to build relationships because you need to know what kind of follow up each person needs.  I love it when people follow up with me in enough time so that if I’ve forgotten to do what I said I would, I still have time to make sure it’s done.  However, not everyone is like that.  Many people just want a quick follow up at the end.  Know who is going to need a reminder email before and who wants you to email them to see how the intervention system the team decided on went.  In my team, I have two teachers that a quick conversation in the hallway is the perfect follow up.  Three of my teachers need me to have an individual face to face conversations with them because they don’t respond to emails very often and they each have slightly different needs.  The last three teachers on my team also need face to face conversations, but it could be as a group.  This is also the PLC that someone needs to attend or else it doesn’t happen.  Know the needs of your teachers and what kind of support they need.

5. Fight the good fight for them, but know when to call a group meeting

Too many people advocating for a change is often seen as complaining.  In addition, it is much easier to schedule meetings with one person versus a group.  Be the person that goes to admin to discuss what the group needs.  It builds trust with your team when you take their concerns and bring back information.  However, there are times when you need all of the voices to be heard.  Many times the way I handle issues is based on what the other teachers feel comfortable with.  I have teachers that work with me that don’t want to raise concerns on their own.  While I don’t have discussions for them if it doesn’t concern me, any time that I’m also affected by the issue I have no problem having the discussion for the group.  One voice that represents the many will be heard better than the individual voices.

6. Share

Share your knowledge and share the amazing things that you do or did in your classroom.  We often forget that we are teacher leaders for a reason.  Teacher leaders have the ability to impact so many more students because we can impact the instruction of the teachers around us.  Share what you know is effective and what you are proud of.  All of the things that you know are good for students.  Those amazing things you do that are so engaging.  Share the things that helped you be a better teacher.  Teachers will work for people that they know are or were great teachers.  So share what makes or made you a great teacher!

Teacher leaders have the opportunity to impact change at a faster pace.  By knowing how to motivate your team and how to build trust, you can do anything!  Remember, with great power comes great responsibility.  We have a responsibility to impact students and teachers because we have the ability to be leaders!  Be amazing and help those around you be amazing too!