From Preservice to Teacher Leadership: Meeting the Future in Educator Preparation

Abstract

Amidst myriad reforms, the education landscape is rapidly shifting. There has been a call for teacher leadership to lead these reforms, helping transform the profession and reshape education. The call for teacher leadership is changing the role of a teacher, and as this role transforms, so must teacher education. The authors examine teacher leadership and ask the question: Can the seeds of teacher leadership be cultivated before a preservice teacher graduates to the school district? This article lays the foundation for ongoing research with three colleagues at separate teacher education institutes. Preservice teachers read about and interact via video conferencing with teacher leaders from across the country to see if and how they think differently about the potential of leading education—from inside America’s classrooms.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John M. Holland

John M. Holland is an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and NBCT specializing in in teacher preparation for the 21st century. His research interests include early childhood education, teacher agency, and accomplished teaching in diverse and high poverty settings.

Jon Eckert

Jon Eckert is an associate professor of education at Wheaton College, a former teacher, and U.S. Department of Education Teaching Ambassador Fellow in the Bush and Obama Administrations. He has published on teaching effectiveness, teacher preparation, teacher compensation, education policy, science education, and comparative issues in international assessment.

Megan M. Allen

Megan M. Allen is a visiting instructor in education at Mount Holyoke College, a National Board Certified Teacher, and the 2010 Florida Teacher of the Year. Her research interests include innovative teacher leadership, education policy, teacher efficacy, and teacher preparation.