What Is a Teacher Leader?

Across New York, the roles and responsibilities of teacher leaders are diverse- they model, mentor, coach, observe, exchange information, and support their colleagues.
Through the $83 million Strengthening Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Grant program we have seen the impact that educator leadership in career ladder pathways can have on student achievement and educator effectiveness. The STLE grant serves over half a million students in 221 LEAs, impacting one-third of the State. We can imagine, teacher leaders inspiring transformative systems change for all students across New York State. And that’s the goal-to ensure that every student in every classroom and building across New York State has the opportunity to have great teachers and leaders.
As part of an effort to celebrate, promote, and sustain career ladder pathways statewide, NYSED requested that STLE grantees submit their perspectives on teacher leadership by answering the question “What is a teacher leader?”