One of this month’s lobby displays focuses on the subject of teacher leadership. Learning to be a leader is one of the challenges that teachers face early in their careers. “Leadership” includes skills such as communication, advocacy, sensitivity and an acute awareness of what is going on in the environment in which you teach.
A teacher’s leadership skills affect not only their interactions with their coworkers, but also with their students. The effects of good leadership trickle down into the general culture and character of a school, which can have a profound effect on the school lives of children. Part of the literature on teacher leadership focuses on teaching leadership; the skills needed for one are also needed for the other, and teachers can lead by example. Gaining a better understanding of basic leadership principles can help new teachers better support their students.
How can teachers learn to lead without being too aggressive? How can teachers balance their own leadership aspirations with those of principals and other administration? How can leadership help improve the overall happiness of a school? These are just some of the questions that the resources in this month’s display seek to answer from a variety of perspectives. The items in this display range from books to microfilm, and have been chosen to represent both practical and theoretical approaches to the topic.
Remember, if you should see something that you are interested in borrowing, please don’t be shy! Ask one of our staff members at the circulation desk to borrow the materials. This display will be in the OISE lobby for the month of February.
Happy reading!
