Supports and barriers to the development of teacher leaders

This inquiry sought to gain understanding of the supports and barriers to teacher leadership for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in Washington State and to examine whether professional development opportunities can change teacher leaders' view of their own leadership potential. This study involved examination of survey data before and after professional development opportunities, data collected through on-going listserv chats, and teacher leader interviews to find patterns of beliefs about teacher leadership. The data show that attitudes and beliefs of teacher leaders fall along a continuum of development depending on their skill level and experience as leaders and that professional development can assist teachers to expand their view of themselves as leaders.