Teacher as a Leader

Special Education has always been a second fiddle in the Educational System.  Thus, as a special educator, I have to contribute to show that special educators are equally important staff as well as the general educators and other specialists in contributing to the success of each learner and in building the foundation in the Educational System at any school district.

Dr. Nancy Blair stated that “mindful leadership is a process of influence that nurtures the capacity of self, others and the system to achieve a goal” (Laureate, 2007).  Truly an effective teacher leader entails lots of responsibilities.  As a teacher leader, I need to know my capabilities and focus on the goal that I will be working on to give direction and mind set as to what my priorities should be to be able to be of service to my students, colleagues and the community.  I believe that teacher is a classroom leader that influences the students to learn better.  A teacher is a community leader as well that helps the community to move and act for the betterment of the students.  The community is the extension of the school system.  Thus, for a student to perform better in school to achieve success, the community has to serve as the student’s model and inspiration to motivate and give the students purpose in life.

As a special educator working to be a teacher leader, I need to learn how to collaborate to other specialists as well as to the community officials in order to create a mobile effect of change that is beneficial to the student.  I know from experience that to collaborate is one of the hardest works to do for the teachers but I do believe that it is also one of the best ways to help students achieve their optimum level of learning.  According to Billinsley (2007), “teachers, who work in collaborative environment where all school staff see the importance of their role in serving students who have disabilities will likely have more success serving as leaders.”
I believe that to better help others, improving one-self first and foremost is important to have something productive and useful to impart and contribute to the betterment of the students and the community as a whole.
Indeed to become a teacher leader is an open challenge that all teachers in the school need to accept in order to ensure the quality of education that each individual student is receiving.  The Future of our children lies on the hands of the dedicated teacher who are willing to devote time, love and care to the students under their supervision. A teacher leader with a vision and will to act for each student to be successful and become productive citizens of the country is a wealth that is most treasured.
Catherine Balmeo.