Overcoming Obstacles to Leadership
by Susan Moore Johnstone and Morgaen L. Donaldson
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Overview
At a time when New Zealand schools have gained recognition and remuneration for lead teachers this article speaks directly to the experience that many of them have had. It is easy to read and warmly recommended by our reviewers. Although set in an American context it is directly relevant to the experience of developing middle leaders within New Zealand schools.
There are many complex issues facing aspiring and developing leaders in schools. The article describes these very clearly and will provide principals with important issues to discuss either in their cluster groups, or within their own schools.
The examples discussed in the article are very realistic and need addressing if schools are to take advantage of the opportunities that they have to develop leadership throughout the school. They are also pertinent for those schools who are attempting to set up professional learning communities, and also for those who are working to develop greater relational and collegial trust within their staff.
We know that there is a lot of variation in the quality of teaching from one classroom to another within schools. It is therefore very important that schools provide positive and supportive environments for effective teachers to work alongside their colleagues to raise the quality of teaching in every classroom for all our students.
The article fits in well with much of the developing work in New Zealand schools. The importance of effective teacher professional learning is emphasised in all of the best evidence work that is being produced, and in projects such as Te Kotahitanga. It is also a key theme in Kiwi Leadership for Principals.
Reflective questions
These reflective questions might guide you in your reading of this article:
- How similar are the issues faced by teacher leaders in this article with teacher leaders in your school? Identify one or two issues that are similar to ones you are facing. What support can you provide to help overcome the issues?
- In what ways do the cultural norms of many New Zealand schools hinder the collegial work of effective teacher leaders, for example ideas about teacher autonomy in their own classrooms. What aspects of the professional culture in your school need addressing in order to make the most gain from our effective teacher leaders?
- There is an acknowledged need to challenge and improve teaching practice so that needs of all students are addressed. What formal structures could your leadership team put in place to develop more effective professional learning communities in place and ensure that all students experience positive learning opportunities in their classrooms?
Further reading
Educational Leadership. Volume 65, Summer, 2008. All the articles in this journal will be useful. The main theme is the development of teacher leadership. (Begin by going to www.ascd.org then click on Educational Leadership, archived issues.)
Education Counts http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/publications/schooling/11844
This link provides case studies from New Zealand schools of the work of lead teachers.
Reference
Johnson,S.M., & Donaldson, M. L. 2008. “Overcoming the Obstacles to Leadership”. in Educational Leadership, volume 65, Summer, pp 8 – 13.
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