Book Critique- How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader

Book Critique How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader Written By: John G. Gabriel: 

Book Critique How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader Written By: John G. Gabriel Sarah Yi, M.A. Rutgers University Administration and Supervision of Elementary and Secondary Schools

How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader: 

How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader Well-written Practical advice Filled with scenarios Useful Resources Highly Recommended

Meet the Author: John G. Gabriel: 

Meet the Author: John G. Gabriel Masters in Educational Leadership George Mason University in VA Taught for 6 years First teacher leader role – English Department Chair After 3 years, he became Assistant Principal in Loudon, VA Currently, he is principal (John Champe High School) Purpose: provide resources for teachers who were presented with leadership roles How to Help Your School Thrive Without Breaking the Bank

Importance of Involving Teacher Leaders: 

Importance of Involving Teacher Leaders The Many Faces of Leadership, Educational Leadership by Charlotte Danielson Teacher responsibilities don’t often change Avoid teacher burnout Modern principals’ responsibilities are impossible to meet Meeting the state and federal requirements (NCLB) More specific instructional expertise

Organizational Leadership: Qualities of Teacher Leaders: 

Organizational Leadership: Qualities of Teacher Leaders Honest and Ethical Building Respect Empathetic and Supportive Been There, Done That Elaine L. Wilmore- Teacher Leadership: Improving Teaching and Learning from Inside the Classroom Accessible open-door policy Available during and after school Phone number and email address

Strategic Leadership: Building your Team : 

Strategic Leadership: Building your Team Teacher leaders should be included in the process of hiring new teachers Leaders should participate in the interview process Leaders should investigate what their team feels would benefit the group Sample Questions How would you describe an effective classroom? How would you structure a block schedule? Do you differentiate instruction? If so, how? What are your feelings toward high-stakes testing?

Adaptive Leadership: Mediating Conflicts: 

Adaptive Leadership: Mediating Conflicts Encourages teachers to bring conflicts to your attention Reduce chances of escalation Increase chances of resolution Observe the dynamics Ask yourself questions as you assess the conflict situation Does one teacher continuously interrupt the other teacher? Is one of the teachers not making herself available?

Interpersonal Leadership: Communication: 

Interpersonal Leadership: Communication Effective communication earns respect Written Communication Oral Communication Nonverbal Communication Study supports Gabriel’s emphasis on interpersonal communication for teacher leaders Bulach, Boothe, and Pickett (1997)

Instructional Leadership Tools: Sustained Silent Reading (SSR): 

Instructional Leadership Tools: Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) Encourage each department to implement SSR SSR promotes independent reading and increases achievement in all subject areas High-Tech world Extra time to practice reading skills Anne Marie Mosers recommends some factors of SSR Access of materials Appeal Environment Modeling Non-Accountability Time

What is the biggest lesson you learned during the first year as a teacher leader?: 

What is the biggest lesson you learned during the first year as a teacher leader? I think an important lesson is learning to establish boundaries with teachers. The reality of the situation is that once you are in a leadership position, the dynamic with other teachers changes. So while you want to establish rapport with your teachers, it is difficult to be friends with them. (J. Gabriel, personal communication, October 17,2011) Ways to professionally cultivate community Engage in team building Encourage reflection Emphasize staff development

How would you suggest teacher leaders handle resistance from their fellow teachers?: 

How would you suggest teacher leaders handle resistance from their fellow teachers? You, with the support of your administrator, need to be able to offer support and pressure at the same time. Along those lines, you need to focus on their behaviors, not their attitude. You will never be able to change someone's attitude, or what they think and believe about something, but you can influence their behavior and actions. By concentrating on that, you have a chance of changing their attitude. (J. Gabriel, personal communication, October 17, 2011) Ways to handle resistant teachers Avoid changing too much too quickly Encourage teachers to take part in any changes Collaboration

Conclusion: 

Conclusion Practical “how to” book Recommended resources for teacher leaders Books on leadership and instruction "And Other Duties as Assigned" (ASCD; 2009) Jan Burgess and Donna Bates Currently Principal of John Champe High School, New high school opening in his district More books to come! Thank you, John G. Gabriel!

Works Cited: 

Works Cited Bates, D. & Burgess, J. (2009). And Other Duties as Assigned. Alexandria: ASCD. Bulach , C., Pickett, W., & Boothe , D. (June, 1998). Mistakes Educational Leaders Make. Eric Digest. 122. Danielson, C. (2007, September). The Many Faces of Leadership. Educational Leadership. 65. 14-19. Gabriel, J. G. (2005). How to Thrive as a Teacher Leader . Alexandria: ASCD. Moser, A. (2006). Sustained Silent Reading. School Library Media Activities Monthly. 23. 43-45. Wilmore, E. (2007). Teacher Leadership: Improving Teaching and Learning From Inside the Classroom. Thousand Oaks, CACowin Press., Willis, S. (Speaker). (2005). ASCD Talks with Author John G. Gabriel.