Research on Teacher Leadership

(October, 2006)

In order to more deeply understand teacher leadership dimensions and other issues pertinent to accomplished teachers, a survey was designed specifically for NBCTs in Washington state. The web-based survey was administered in the spring of 2006. Participants responded to a series of questions about their professional background, roles and responsibilities prior to and following Board certification and the influence their National Board (NB) certification has had on their work, both inside and outside of the classroom. The sample included 48 percent of NBCTs statewide and closely approximates the characteristics of all NBCTs in Washington state. Click here to learn what the research discovered.

Increasing Access and Influence

Teacher leaders can contribute powerfully to state and local discussions on high-quality teaching in Washington. When they have the skills and knowledge necessary to communicate with policymakers and the conviction that such actions can lead to improvements in student learning, their impact will increase exponentially.

Armed with information, a sophisticated understanding of the system, and opportunities to convene, articulate teacher leaders with appropriate access can influence changes in thinking and direction among their colleagues, policymakers and the general public.

How do National Board Certified Teachers perceive the rewards and challenges of teacher leadership, and to what extent do they perceive themselves as leaders? What happens when teachers assume new leadership roles in their schools and school districts? Inverness Research Associates conducted an evaluation of the Washington Initiative for National Board Teacher Certification to answer these questions — and others. Their report has been segmented in small files for ease of downloading. You can read:

• A description of the study and a summary of findings. (PDF 41 KB)
• A survey of National Board Certified teachers and their assessment of the Washington Initiative as a source of professional growth and leadership opportunities. (PDF 165 KB)
• Findings from focus groups with National Board Certified teachers. (PDF 77.7 KB)
• Fostering Leadership: Insights from National Board Leadership Grants (PDF 701 KB)
• A presentation outlining the study and a summary of findings. (PDF 110 KB)