The Search for Teacher Leaders Meena Wilson Interviews with high school teachers nominated by their colleagues sketch a portrait of who leaders are and how they behave. More than 2.5 million teachers in 15,500 school districts across the country strive to develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge of young people. The quality of their work determines the future well-being and economic welfare of a generation of Americans.
Education can make a difference.
The general assessment, though, seems to be that education is not making enough of a difference. This tough issue has resisted glib policy solutions and thereby has created a window of opportunity for teacher leaders. I began my search for teacher leaders by asking more than 400 teachers at all six high schools in one school district to nominate teachers that they regarded as leaders. They are hard-working and highly involved with curricular and instructional innovation. Their creativity is demonstrated by their power to motivate students from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities.