Why Teacher Leadership Requires Specialized Training
Schools are filled with talented, passionate teachers who make a tremendous difference in the lives of their students. It’s only natural that we look to these outstanding educators when we need peer leaders, whether as team leads, peer coaches, PLC facilitators, or mentors. However, this is related to a common misconception in education: Just because someone is an exceptional classroom teacher or even a really engaged team member, that does not necessarily mean they are automatically equipped to lead their peers.
The Unique Challenge of Peer Leadership
Leading adults, especially your own colleagues, requires a very different skill set than leading a classroom of students. Peer leaders must navigate complex dynamics: Giving constructive feedback to friends, mediating disagreements among equals, and inspiring change without formal authority. These are not skills that most teachers develop through their classroom experience alone. In fact, even the most enthusiastic and collaborative teachers can find themselves struggling when asked to step into a leadership role with their peers.
Why Targeted Leadership Training Matters
When we elevate teachers into leadership positions without providing them with targeted training, we set them up for frustration and, sometimes, failure. Investing in leadership development for teacher leaders, such as focusing on facilitation, coaching, conflict resolution, and team-building, shows our staff that we value their growth and want them to succeed. It also ensures that our teacher leaders have the confidence and practical tools they need to positively impact their teams.
Building Human-Based Skills for a Human-Based Profession
Education is fundamentally about people. Whether we’re leading students or colleagues, our ability to connect, communicate, and collaborate is what drives success. By prioritizing leadership training for teacher leaders, we not only support their individual journeys but also strengthen the fabric of our school communities. When we invest in our people, we build schools where everyone - students and staff alike - can thrive.
