Leadership in education isn’t confined to the principal’s office. In fact, some of the most influential leaders in a school are teachers—those who inspire, innovate, and advocate from within the classroom. If you're a teacher looking to expand your impact, here are practical ways to lead without needing an administrative title.
1. Be a Curriculum Innovator
Teachers are on the front lines of instruction, making them uniquely positioned to identify what works and what doesn’t. You can lead by:
• Piloting new instructional strategies and sharing results with your team
• Creating interdisciplinary units that connect subjects and engage students in deeper learning
• Contributing to curriculum committees at the school or district level
Example: A middle school CTE teacher collaborates with the art and language arts departments to create a STEAM project that culminates in a school-wide exhibition. This not only enriches student learning but also models cross-curricular collaboration.
2. Mentor and Support Colleagues
Leadership is about lifting others up. You can:
• Mentor new teachers, helping them navigate classroom management, lesson planning, and school culture.
• Facilitate professional learning communities (PLCs) or book studies.
• Offer peer observations and feedback in a supportive, non-evaluative way.
Example: A veteran teacher starts a monthly “Coffee & Coaching” morning where teachers informally discuss challenges and share strategies before school starts.
3. Advocate for Students and Staff
Teachers can be powerful advocates by:
• Serving on school improvement teams or district advisory boards
• Speaking at school board meetings about student needs or policy impacts
• Organizing initiatives that promote equity, mental health, or student voice
Example: An elementary teacher notices a lack of nutrition resources in the school and leads a grant-writing effort to fund new materials.
4. Lead Through Technology Integration
With digital tools constantly evolving, tech-savvy teachers can lead by:
• Training colleagues on effective tech tools for instruction and assessment
• Creating digital resource hubs for their departments or grade levels
• Modeling blended learning or flipped classroom techniques
Example: A high school PE teacher introduces wearable fitness trackers and a data dashboard to help students set and track personal fitness goals, then shares the model at a district PD day.
5. Build Community Partnerships
Teachers can extend their leadership beyond school walls by:
• Connecting with local businesses for guest speakers, internships, or sponsorships
• Organizing service-learning projects that tie into curriculum goals
• Engaging families through workshops, newsletters, or student-led conferences
Example: A teacher partners with a local environmental group to create a school garden, integrating science, math, and community service.
6. Share Your Voice Publicly
Your insights matter. Consider:
• Writing blog posts or articles about your teaching experiences
• Presenting at conferences or district PD sessions
• Using social media to share classroom successes and connect with other educators
Example: A teacher starts a podcast interviewing colleagues about their favorite lessons, building a culture of celebration and reflection.
Leadership is about influence, not position. As a teacher, you already have the trust of your students and the respect of your peers. By stepping into leadership roles—formal or informal—you can shape the culture of your school, advocate for meaningful change, and inspire others to do the same.
If you'd like to lead by exploring and evaluating resources for teachers and students, consider the skills-based excellence Goodheart-Willcox offers. You can rely on G-W for comprehensive packages of instructional support and ready-to-implement resources. Our skills-based programs include lesson plans, PowerPoints, editable and assignable workbook activities and handouts, and more. If you see something you like today, request your preview copy here.
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