Module 1

What is your general definition of teacher leadership?

My definition of teacher leadership would have to be someone who exhibits leader qualities such as confidence, persuasiveness, ability to communicate, and field expertise. In order for a teacher to take on a leadership position, they need to lead their teaching team and extend their reach into the community. Leaders should be eager to collaborate with their colleagues and work together towards instructional goals and superior lessons.

What examples of teacher leadership have you observed or experienced?

As I reflect on my k12 experience, there were several instances in which I observed teacher leadership. My AP Biology teacher was not much older than I was as a senior in high school, but she showed more teacher leadership qualities than many other veteran teachers I observed. She made an obvious effort to reach every student-no matter their learning style. There was a consistent schedule and procedures for everything that we did in her class, whether it was lab or turning in assignments. I really liked the structure and the fact that she was not lax in her demands.

How is leadership for meaningful technology integration different from other kinds of leadership?

This type of leadership differs from other kinds of leadership in a few ways. First of all, we must be adamant about the need for technology integration in schools today. Meaningful technology integration involves providing students with endless opportunities to learn how to communicate in this increasingly technological world. I think that other leaders might not have to be so adamant or persuasive in their attempts to be a successful leader.

Many teachers did not have the luxury of growing up with a technological gadget constantly in their hands. However, the students that they have are digital natives, these children's lives revolve around their technological world. Therefore, it is essential for leaders of technology to provide teachers with the latest research methods and innovative instruction in order to meet the needs of their students.

From your perspective, what are the benefits and challenges of teacher leadership for technology (for teachers, for students, for schools, for the profession)?

The first challenge that comes to mind would have to be attitude. It is very difficult to successfully integrate technology when school districts or even teachers have a closed mind about the impact that technology has in learning. I have heard teachers complain about how students don't want to learn anything-that they are only interested in their gadgets. Why don't we teach how they learn then? Can you blame students nowadays for not wanting to learn with a chisel and a stone when they might as well have been born with a tablet in their hands? (With all due respect.)

Another challenge that technology leaders face would probably be the budget. The school that I completed one of my undergraduate clinical in had a limited computer supply. However, my host teacher was a leader of technology herself, and took it upon herself to write a grant for 20 computers for her personal classroom. There will always be a limited number of funds-administration will pick and choose who gets what, but it's important to remember that there are other ways of obtaining these resources.