Why I'm a Teacher Leader, and You Can Be Too

Sometimes when I am passionately sharing my latest professional development project or an inquiry lesson I'm collaborating on I receive a puzzled look and the question, "But I thought you were a librarian?"   I am a librarian, a teacher librarian, but if your perspective on my role is that of a traditional librarian I can understand this confusion.  So I would like to share why, as a teacher librarian, I am qualified to be a teacher leader.

1.  I actively seek out and participate in professional growth opportunities that will broaden my perspective and understanding on both instruction and content specific standards.

2.  I share new information and resources with my learning community, both locally and digitally.

3.  I embrace new challenges and educational shifts as I look for the opportunities within them.

4.  I am willing to fail, to reflect, and to grow as I try new things.

5.  I recognize and value the expertise of other educators.

6.  I collaborate and communicate with colleagues both locally and digitally.

7.  I celebrate the success of both students and colleagues.

8.  I try to always keep students central in my planning and decision making.

I don't believe leadership is reserved for those with a particular degree, title, or certification.  I believe leadership is an action that can be taken by any educator.  It means taking responsibility to be part of a team looking for solutions rather than focusing on problems.  It means being proactive, while listening to the concerns and voices of other educators.  

I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to be a part of an amazing leadership team, and I will not apologize for the work I do there.  If anyone would like to join me in leading there's always room for more voices.