There is a lot of talk these days about teachers becoming teacher-leaders, and to many over-worked and under-payed teachers, that might sound like a joke. "Why would I want to add something else to my plate?" But I think it is something every teacher should consider, especially if you've been around for a while.
Unfortunately, some of the teachers who have been in teaching for a significant amount of time are burning out. The last thing they see as helpful is "doing more." But doing more is only drudgery if it's doing more of the same. Being a teacher-leader lets you step into something different.
Here are three reasons why becoming a teacher-leader can revitalize your career:
1. People need help
Everyone needs assistance sometimes, and if you have been a teacher for a while, you can help. Most of us find something intrinsically pleasing about helping someone in need. And, it doesn't have to take more of your time.
You already do some really great things. If I asked you, "What is your one "teacher super-power," or what do you do really well as a teacher, what would you say? If you are good at something, chances are you already do that thing often. How long would it take to send out an email that says, "Hey, I tried this in class and it worked wonderfully. Let me know if you'd like to know more."
By doing that one simple thing, you put yourself out there as someone who knows something. That's not too scary a place to be. Conversations may arise at the copy machine or the lunchroom, where you can share more with people who are curious. If no one seems curious about the thing you shared, it's okay. Perhaps it will be the next thing someone needs help with. Keep sharing.
2. You may need some help
If you share, you might just be an example to others who also begin to share. They might share something that could help you down the road. In fact, you all might become idea-sharing superheroes around your school.
Alright, so you might not be stopping bullets or leaping over tall buildings, but you could begin to form an amazing personal learning network (PLN). [Education needs more acronyms like Twitter needs more hashtags!] Why are personal learning networks important? "In a recent survey,Teachers Network found that 80 percent of teachers said network participation encouraged them to remain in the classroom, while 90 percent said that networking improved their teaching practice." (Edutopia)
3. Get more out of your career
Education is a tough career, and one reason is because it is a relatively flat career. If you are a first year teacher, you are expected to create lessons, teach classes, maintain records, etc. If you are ten year teacher, you are expected to do the same things.
There is little in the way of growth paths unless you stay out of the classroom. So when things get a little stale, teachers tend to change grade levels or subject areas, but after a while those changes too become stale. But by becoming a teacher-leader, you create another level in the teaching profession.
The great thing about becoming a teacher-leader is that you get to make that move on your own. There's one department chair position, and the same person might hold that for years, but no one can stop you from reaching out to help your peers - and they won't want to! You can become a superhero to your administrators and peers alike.
How have you, or someone in your school, demonstrated teacher-leadership?
