Teacher Leaders Program
Teacher leadership embodies the idea that classroom teachers can become formal, recognized leaders within their schools and communities while still maintaining their in-the-classroom status. Teachers who feel passionate about education—and want to continue working with children—can become coaches, peer evaluators, mentors, specialists in curriculum and instruction, advocates, activists, union leaders, teachers on special assignment, fellows in state or national programs, “teacherpreneurs,” National Board Certified Teachers, teachers of the year, and more.
The Teacher Leaders Program identifies and brings together a select group of teachers and empowers them to assume active leadership roles in their schools, unions and communities. These teachers then serve as catalysts to build the profession and strengthen the union and its connection to the community in order to generate support and understanding of public schools. Teacher leaders will continue to use the skills they develop in the yearlong program throughout their careers.
The AFT Teacher Leaders Program supports the goals of the local unions and provides:
- A strong tie to community organizations and community leaders;
- An informed teacher voice;
- A vehicle for positive messaging about public schools and their unions; and
- A pipeline for future school and union leaders.
Participating teachers develop skills related to:
- Creating a collaborative culture;
- Accessing, using and presenting relevant research;
- Reaching out to families and communities;
- Becoming advocates for teachers, students and their families, and for public education; and
- Understanding policy issues and making recommendations to and through their unions.
The program is open to all local AFT affiliates. Applications are accepted every spring, with orientation to follow in the summer.
The brochure: http://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/br_teacherleaderprogram2015.pdf
For more information, contact Marjorie Brown at mbrown@aft.org.