Teacher Leader Stories
The Power of Case Methods
Foreword by Barbara Miller
Empower teacher leaders through the power of case study
Many teachers desire—but have a hard time obtaining—the training and support they need to lead others and expand their circle of influence. Like having a conversation with a successful teacher leader, this practical guide will help teachers strengthen their leadership skills, optimize student learning, and enhance the profession. Research confirms that the best way to become an effective teacher leader is through case study, and this book provides:
- 16 compelling case studies that cover a broad range of leadership experiences
- Explicit guidance on using case writing and case analysis to enrich teachers' professional learning
- A facilitator's guide with discussion questions for each case study
The people and events in these cases are real, and these relatable stories cover a variety of leadership dilemmas from diverse settings. Written in compelling and straightforward language, Teacher Leader Stories is most beneficial to staff development professionals and aspiring teacher leaders seeking the rich, substantive professional learning experience they need to become successful.
"Teaching and learning go hand in hand. We do not learn to teach, we learn from our teaching. This book offers a coherent, constructivist approach to do just that. It makes the daily life of classrooms accessible for thoughtful exploration and powerful learning."
"Teacher Leader Stories provides a charming and provocative collection of case studies for practicing and future educational leaders. This book provides helpful protocols, strategies, models, criteria, and procedures for employing case studies as a method of developing leadership skills."
"The use of case studies in this book provides a safe experience and an excellent professional development opportunity. Teacher Leader Stories is a much-needed new tool for fostering teacher leadership."
"This book is an excellent resource for teachers in leadership roles and the administrators who support them. It provides an honest and thought-provoking account of the challenges and dilemmas encountered by teacher leaders. This resource will be essential for professional developers and administrators who prepare teacher leaders to carry out their critical roles in schools."
"Teacher Leader Stories is a great gift to those who believe that no serious educational reform will take hold until teachers have a genuine voice in determining what matters. It's a book for veteran teacher leaders, those who aspire to leadership in schools and classrooms, and administrators eager to tap the expertise of the accomplished teachers they work with. This is a book that doesn't shy away from difficult issues."
"The cases presented in this book have an honesty that portrays the real complexity of teaching and leading. The dilemmas in each case include a diverse cast of characters, each with perspectives that cannot been easily labeled as 'right' or 'wrong'. That setting challenges the reader to rethink their own position and appreciate positions different than their own."
"This articulate and compelling book provides a powerful way for educators - especially teacher leaders and staff developers - to move their practice to the next level. The author brilliantly scaffold their reader's engagement in the material, from analyzing others' cases to writing, sharing, and reflecting on their own."
