Preparing Teacher Leaders to Work with Students with Diverse Learning Needs.

Traditional teacher preparation programs do not prepare teachers to be leaders outside their own classrooms. Many aspects of traditional school cultures actively discourage teachers from taking on leadership roles outside publicly acclaimed parameters — department chairs, mentor teachers, and so on — most of which are accompanied by an extra-duty stipend. Yet, in every school, among the best and brightest and most effective teachers, there are those willing to step into this uncertain new territory of teacher leadership. This chapter defines teacher leadership and offers concrete ways teachers can step forward, sometimes out of their comfort zones, into leadership roles. In addition, it discusses how leaders can be prepared to work with children and youth with diverse learning needs in high need schools and districts.