Redefining teacher leadership necessitates a paradigm shift; it transcends the simplistic notion of merely being in a position of authority. Authentic leadership among educators is anchored in actions, character, and the profound influence one holds over their peers and students, rather than in formal titles. In our discussion, we delineate the multifaceted dimensions of teacher leadership, emphasizing the significance of taking ownership of one's responsibilities, fostering meaningful relationships, and embodying a commitment to service and growth. We advocate for a leadership approach that is rooted in collaboration, courage, and the ability to inspire a shared vision among colleagues. Ultimately, every educator possesses the potential to embody these leadership qualities, thereby transforming the educational landscape and enhancing the collective efficacy of their teams.

Teacher leadership transcends the simplistic notion of merely occupying a position of authority; it encapsulates a profound sense of ownership, responsibility, and relational dynamics. In this discourse, we delve into the multifaceted nature of teacher leadership, where the emphasis is placed not on titles but on the actions and character of educators who choose to lead from within their classrooms. The conversation initiates with the premise that true leadership begins with a commitment to responsibility, wherein educators take ownership of their decisions and strive for continuous improvement. This ownership is not merely a personal endeavor but extends to fostering relationships that support both colleagues and students alike. Through authentic connections, educators can cultivate an environment where empathy and encouragement flourish, leading to enhanced collaborative efforts and a shared vision for success.

As we navigate the intricate landscape of teacher leadership, we explore the vital role of service. It is posited that effective leaders do not wait for permission to assist; rather, they proactively identify needs and respond with meaningful action. This proactive service manifests in various forms, from mentoring new teachers to stepping in during critical moments, highlighting a commitment to the welfare of the educational community. Furthermore, the dialogue underscores the importance of a growth mindset in leadership, advocating for continuous learning and adaptability. Educators who embody this mindset not only enrich their own professional journeys but also inspire those around them to pursue excellence and innovation in their practices.

Ultimately, the essence of teacher leadership is encapsulated in the courage to advocate for what is right and just within the educational context. It requires the audacity to confront inequities and to champion the needs and dignity of all students. In doing so, teacher leaders cultivate an inspiring vision that resonates throughout the educational landscape, reminding all stakeholders of their shared purpose. This episode serves as a compelling reminder that every educator possesses the potential to lead, influence, and transform their environments, thereby redefining the very fabric of educational leadership.

Takeaways:

• True teacher leadership transcends mere titles and is fundamentally rooted in responsibility and accountability.
• Effective teacher leaders cultivate relationships and foster an environment of empathy and support among colleagues and students.
• Authentic leadership in education necessitates a commitment to service without waiting for formal permission or recognition.
• The essence of teacher leadership lies in a growth mindset, where continuous learning and adaptability are paramount in effective educators.
• Teacher leaders exemplify courage by addressing injustices and advocating for students' rights and dignity within the educational landscape.
• Collaboration is the cornerstone of teacher leadership, emphasizing teamwork over individual accolades, thereby enhancing the collective impact on student success.

Links referenced in this episode:

• beafunkyteacher.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Be a Funky Teacher

Yeah, he's Mr. Funky.

He's Mr. Funky Teacher.

Mr. Funky Teacher inspires greatness, makes you feel good.

Like your favorite playlist.

Keeping that fresh and funky.

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He got some funky cool ideas to share for all you teachers.

He can empower others, students and teachers.

It's all about hard work and creativity.

He brings out the kindness in everyone.

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You hear it when he speaks.

He knows how to build strong relationships.

If you're seeking the best bunkiest, he is it.

He will empower you to improve.

He'll be helping others and loving it too.

He's Mr. Funky Teacher.

Yeah, he's Mr. Funky Teacher.

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This is Mr. Funky Teacher with Be a Funky Teacher dot com.

I'm coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast.

Welcome back everyone.

Today's episode, we are going to be talking about redefining teacher leadership.

It's more than being in charge.

That's right.

That's going to be our focus.

But before we get into it, let's talk about three things I'm thankful for.

First thing I'm thankful for is having some time to get work done at my dad's house out in his yard.

Those hours outdoors were, that I spent this weekend were very productive and very meaningful trying to help just get his yard fall cleanup done.

I just feel much calmer and happier knowing I was able to get some of that work done for my dad.

Second thing is that my son is okay after taking a really hard hit in football.

It's something like that.

Moments like that remind me how, how precious health and safety are when, when something goes wrong and my son took a hard hit.

We didn't know if he had a concussion or not.

It sounds like he didn't.

It sounds like he's doing okay from everything we can gather and I'm just so thankful for that.

Third thing, I'm thankful that my wife was able to get some time with her dad and her sister over this past weekend.

My, my father in law is selling his house and getting ready to.

He's moving to a different place.

And so my sister in law, my, my wife and my father in law got together and we're going through some stuff in the house and I'm so, I know that family is so important.

Family connection matters and I'm grateful that my, my wife was able to get that time with her with her dad and sister.

All right, well, let's get into the, the meat and potatoes of our episode, everyone.

Our main topic which is redirecting teacher leadership.

It's more than being in charge.

So let's first off talk about how leadership starts with responsibility.

Leadership isn't a title.

It's ownership, y'.

All.

It is, it's, it's, it's ownership.

It's.

Teacher leaders own their, their choices, the, their classroom, their, their impact.

They, they have ownership over what they do.

For example, a teacher leaders is someone who can take ownership, saying, hey, this lesson was a big old flop, and sharing maybe with their teaching colleagues or sharing with themselves, admitting to themselves that, hey, this is how it could be adjusted next time in order to make it so it can be successful.

Teacher leadership starts with owning our actions.

So leadership.

Leadership is not just a title.

It's not.

It's starts with ownership.

Next thing is that leadership, particularly teacher leadership, is relational.

Now leadership, it flows through connection.

It's not, it's not about control.

I think we all can admit that there are some individuals out there who might, might be in positions of power where they, they like to flex their control.

Let's just be real, let's call it as it is.

But leadership flows through connection.

It's not about the control.

Teachers lead when they encourage colleagues, when they support students and they extend empathy to those around them.

They could be something like checking in with teammates who look overwhelmed or are pausing to ask a student how they're doing.

That's leadership.

That's teacher leadership, y'.

All.

That's really making impact.

It's not about the control, it's about the connection.

Next thing, teacher leadership is about service.

Real service is.

Well, let me, let me think, let me rephrase it like this.

Real leaders notice needs and they step in without waiting for permission to provide service.

So you don't have to wait to provide service.

They step up.

Teacher leaders step up to provide service in a meaningful way without waiting to ask for permission.

All greatness happens without just waiting to ask for permission.

Service might mean mentoring a new teacher or sharing resources with others or stepping into tough situations with a helpful hand.

That's being a teacher leader.

It's about providing that service.

It can be stepping up and volunteering to cover a duty so a colleague can handle a family emergency.

That's teacher leadership.

Teacher leadership is about service.

Next thing leadership, particularly teacher leadership, is growth, mind mindset.

There's a growth.

There's growth minded thinking around teacher leadership.

Great leaders keep learning.

They stay curious, they stay adaptable, they stay humble, y'.

All.

They do being, being a teacher leader means being willing to grow alongside Your colleagues and students.

I think of, like, I think about a teacher leader saying, hey, I don't know yet, but I'll learn with you.

Let's learn this together.

That's powerful.

When you have.

Have a leader who can admit that they're going to learn right along with you, but.

And they don't know.

You've met leaders, and I've met leaders who that think they have all the answers and if they don't know it, they make it up.

And they would never admit to not knowing something.

And that, that's, that's some scariness right there.

When you have a leader who's just kind of mix it up as they go and claim that they know all the answers or act like they know all the answers, it's so detrimental.

So guys believe great leaders keep learning.

They're open to a growth mindset and they're willing, they truly are willing to learn.

They're not, they're not using it to.

They're not using their, their leadership as a way of just flexing everything they know.

They're willing to admit when they don't know it and learn right alongside everyone else who they're sharing the leadership with and sharing their expertise with.

Because how can a leader possibly know everything?

Teacher leadership takes courage.

Leadership requires speaking up when something isn't right.

That takes courage.

That means defending a student's dignity, questioning a policy, or addressing inequities that others may ignore.

And a leader will step up and say, hey, this is a concern.

We need to look at this.

We need to address this.

A teacher leader will step into that role and say what needs to be said, do what needs to be said.

Not just a flex just because they can, but in a meaningful way that will be impactful to the learning environment and to students and to teachers and other staff who are working with kids, advocating for students being disciplined unfairly, for example.

You know, that that might take courage.

However, a teacher leader will lean into that courage even when it's uncomfortable.

That's a part of that leadership role that the teacher leader will do.

You know, teacher leadership, it provides vision and inspiration.

Y' all real leaders remind people of the why.

It's kind of funny that, you know, remember your why.

What is your why?

Almost is like cliche, almost like it's almost been overdone, but yet there's still so much truth to that.

I don't want it to become cliche, because focusing on the why does matter.

And so teacher leaderships provide vision and inspiration.

They cast vision, they inspire Hope they keep the focus on students.

I think about like sharing a story of student success in a meeting can provide like a re centering of the team if people are feeling beat down or if morale is a bit lower.

I look for those opportunities where I can share something that might be inspirational or give a little shot of inspiration and hope they to, to revitalize the team if they're feeling down instead of in, instead of.

You know, there are some leaders who will lead by their, the way that they approach addressing vision and inspiration is through threats or insisting on or trying to require people to have more of a positive attitude.

Boy, that's not any way to lead.

That is not, not.

That's not the way we, we want to look for ways that we can strategically bring in moments of hope and words of affirmation that we can lean into that, that vision and inspiration.

And then the last big area is that leadership builds collaboration, not competition.

Teacher leadership is, is about the we, not the me.

Ooh, that's an.

I like that.

I like that.

The we, not the me.

I didn't realize that rhymed I was when, when I, I, I did not realize that right when, when, when, when I wrote that down writing down some notes last night, but I like that.

It's almost like a T shirt.

Teacher leadership is about the we, not the me.

Which is true though.

True.

Leadership brings, it brings people together though doesn't shares credit it, it celebrates collective wins.

It's not about the me, it's about the we saying, hey, we'll figure this out as a team or look versus you know, instead of saying something like, hey, look what I did or look at me, look at I.

A teacher leader gives credit to the team that it, it's, it's a team team effort.

You know, I, I, where I'm.

Where I'm at here, I'm in a collaboration team.

I'm very careful.

I'm not.

When I use language, I, I'm very careful and not to use things like me, but more we.

I, I'm.

That, that is something on a daily basis.

I'm leaning into, I'm leaning into the we conversation, the we talk because it's not about the me.

It's not just me, it's.

It's we.

It truly is we.

Bottom line.

Some people lose sight of that though, and, and sometimes leaders forget side of that.

Whether it's a teacher leader or an administrator sometimes that, that can be very, it's, it's very easy to lose sight of that.

Over 22 years I've seen teachers in real time, I've seen administrators in real time lose sight of that and boy, they lose.

People have a harder time of following those individuals.

So remember, so it's got to be about the collaboration.

It's not about competition.

It's not about one person being better than another one.

It's about the we truly collaboration multiplies impact.

Competition limits impact.

So as we wrap up here, as, as I think about some, some takeaways and reflect on and what was shared here.

Leadership isn't about being in charge.

It's about how you show up.

True leaders, true teacher leaders.

Take responsibility, build relationships, serve, grow, speak with courage, inspire vision and foster collaboration.

Every teacher, no matter their role, can step into this kind of leadership and transform the culture around them.

So I hope you found value in this episode all around teacher leadership.

As I sign off, I want you to remember to inspire greatness in young people.

And don't forget to be a funky teacher.

Bye now.

He's Mr. Funky Teacher, yeah he's Mr. Funky Teacher, oh, yeah, yeah.