| Exploring the role of teacher as leader provided the focus for this qualitative research study which examined how multiple roles are balanced, how teachers are encouraged to become leaders and then supported in those efforts, and how power and control issues are affected by the presence of teacher leaders. The study was designed to deepen understanding regarding the benefits and challenges of such roles.; The researcher relied on ethnographic techniques to gather data through interviews, records of time usage, and case studies. Data were analyzed using qualitative techniques involving the identification of emerging patterns that could be united to represent general properties of thought and themes within the data.; For most teachers the process towards leadership was emergent. They were encouraged by an administrator or colleague to take on a leadership role because of demonstrated areas of strength or expertise. The involvement in leadership activities led to increased effectiveness, which often led to additional involvement creating a reinforcing cycle.; Teacher leaders created strategies to help them balance their leading and teaching responsibilities. They set priorities and carefully chose the activities in which to participate. They developed techniques for managing time, learning from colleagues in similar roles.; Teacher leaders felt strongly that they should continue to teach, but the complexity of both teaching and leading creates tensions for them. For example, they felt that having released time to complete leadership tasks was crucial, but they often felt pulled to spend more time in the classroom and with students.; Teacher leaders identified shifts in roles for both teachers and administrators when leadership for many was encouraged. Teacher leaders with significant involvement in decision-making felt increasingly responsible for the outcomes of those decisions. They noted that administrators became more responsible for providing information and designing structures so that decisions could be made collaboratively. |
