The Standards: Domain 7:

Advocating for Student Learning and the Profession 

The teacher leader understands the landscape of education policy and can identify key players at the local, state, and national levels. The teacher leader advocates for the teaching profession and for policies that benefit student learning.

Functions

The teacher leader:

a) Shares information with colleagues within and/or beyond the district regarding how local, state, and national trends and policies can impact classroom practices and expectations for student learning;

b) Works with colleagues to identify and use research to advocate for teaching and learning processes that meet the needs of all students;

c) Collaborates with colleagues to select appropriate opportunities to advocate for the rights and/or needs of students, to secure additional resources within the building or district that support student learning, and to communicate effectively with targeted audiences such as parents and community members;

d) Advocates for access to professional resources, including financial support and human and other material resources, that allow colleagues to spend significant time learning about effective practices and developing a professional learning community focused on school improvement goals; and

e) Represents and advocates for the profession in contexts outside of the classroom.

Teacher leadership is the driving force behind sustainable change in public schools and districts across the country. You can view examples noted in the news, already in development , or even fully in action. This repository of exemplars will continue to grow, with your help! In early 2012, we will convene a virtual community of teacher leaders to reflect on the standards and share their own exemplars. For more information contact us. See resources for more clarity here.

Click here to view all Domain 7 exemplar submissions.