Teacher leadership qualities and teacher leadership skills do not solely transpire within the walls of educational institutions. Even in off hours, teacher leadership is a way of life. A school’s essence is created by the norms and expectations of its leaders.

Teacher leadership shapes and solidifies significant educational change and is an essential cornerstone to all classroom, departmental, school, and district improvements.

If you are interested in expanding your teaching role and becoming a leader in education, this guide is for you. Read below to discover the top 10 teacher leadership abilities and the advantages of enrolling in a Master of Education (M.Ed.) program, with a leadership focus.

A Teacher Leader Has the Following Skills:

1. Empathy

• Achieves educational goals while advancing a sense of belonging
• Creates a safe, welcoming learning environment
• Is emotionally intelligent
• Fosters encouragement, kindness, and respect
• Guides collective responsibility, school practices, procedures, and policies
• Is open-minded
• Is self-aware, capitalizing on unique strengths to accomplish school goals

2. Analytical

• Assesses educational strategies and the quality of resources
• Builds goal-directed learners
• Is a critical thinker who encourages reflective practices
• Is a rational problem-solver
• Records class observations and outcomes
• Is strategic in clarifying common student misconceptions
• Uses data to inform decisions and improve outcomes

3. Adaptable

• Adapts curriculum content to correlate with advancements in modern society
• Ensures class material is accessible for every learner
• Generates attention-grabbing, creative curriculum
• Is innovative with multimedia approaches
• Maximizes educational frameworks like Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that provide flexible learning environments for all
• Utilizes current events to convey class material
• Is willing to alter a syllabus for optimal success

4. Courageous

• Conducts inclusive conversations on social justice initiatives
• Demonstrates resilience and determination
• Goes above and beyond the school’s status quo
• Identifies school system gaps and takes responsibility for resolutions
• Offers constructive feedback to others for professional development
• Since failure is required for learning — rewards effort, regardless of the outcome
• Supports a willingness to take risks

5. Committed and Motivated

• Is accountable and action-oriented
• Has energy that stimulates teacher satisfaction
• Is motivated and determined to make a difference
• Is an organized planner who prioritizes with direction, momentum, and vision
• Possesses an authentic passion, enthusiasm, and excitement for education
• Represents the school in the community on boards and committees
• Supports the development of colleagues and settings for students to thrive

6. Communication and Connection

• Has the ability to network and unite individuals, groups, communities, and affiliates toward a common cause
• Is an active listener that paraphrases, mediates, and uses conflict-resolution strategies
• Collaborates with administrators, colleagues, legislative leaders, parents, and students
• Facilitates large and small groups
• Ignites others’ interest in educational issues
• Manages group dynamics with sensitivity and skill
• Is a trustworthy and transparent team player

7. A Love of Learning

• Actively keeps class material modern and relevant
• Confidently asks thought-provoking questions about standard practices and the efficiency of procedures
• Continually tries to self-improve, seeking feedback often
• Displays a genuine interest in people and learning processes
• Educates and challenges student comprehension and retention, so learners reach their highest potential
• Seeks opportunities to understand
• Shares collective knowledge, content, educational resources, and tips for success with colleagues

8. Engaging Classroom and Community Presence

• Is approachable to students and parents seeking further information
• Diversifies curriculum content modalities
• Enables inclusive learning environments
• Entertains and enlightens
• Facilitates frequently asking questions
• Mobilizes audiences to act
• Acts as a positive role model

9. Patience

• Is a big-picture thinker who builds relationships, partnerships, and opportunities over time
• Clarifies any content questions from students with compassion
• Constructs school capacity for sustainable success
• Deals calmly and effectively with resistance through self-regulation and stress management
• Is hopeful with humility and keenly aware that meaningful plans take time
• Recognizes hierarchy and power structures at play
• Sets achievable and realistic goals

10. Honors Best Practices

• Administers careful due diligence in educational assessment, curriculum, and instruction
• Conducts research on educational case studies and peer reviews for the latest in effective teaching methods
• Consults with other local, state-wide, and national teachers to inspire new ideas and practices
• Employs time management techniques for efficiency
• Persistently revises course content for relevance
• Is tenacious in developing technical skills
• Uses technology (classroom management systems, databases, electronic presentations, software, and virtual meeting platforms) as a tool to collaborate, communicate, and instruct course content

How to Develop Teacher Leader Skills

Enrolling in a Master of Education (M.Ed.) program, like Goodwin University’s Master’s in Teacher Leadership, can hone the skills needed to serve students and communities best.

Career-focused institutions are all about convenience. Goodwin, for example, offers its M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership program entirely online with transparent tuition costs and flexible class options for students who work full-time.

Teacher leadership programs at the graduate level can assist learners in integrating research and theory to practice, strengthen communication and collaboration skills, and advance understanding of ethics, diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational systems.

From a teacher leadership curriculum to clear-cut career paths, a master’s degree in Education promotes inclusive learning for all.

Are you ready to lead classrooms and communities, and develop the skills to become a great teacher leader? Learn more about Goodwin’s teacher leadership program today!