Reflection on:HANDBOOK 7: Providing Leadership at the Classroom Level by Shary Torres

Along the path a teacher is most likely to find many obstacles to his/her success as a leader-teacher, such obstacles can be found among colleagues, peers, parents, students, authorities and even the curriculum. Sadly many teachers give up on their fight to become leaders and settle down as regular teachers. However, for those who have what it takes to become a leader-teacher there are many things that can de done. One of these aspects is approached by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction in the article “Providing Leadership at the Classroom Level”. The article urges teachers to consider themselves as key elements to the learning process, it is very important that teachers participate actively in the role they have been appointed.
The article also emphasizes the importance of working in team; as teachers we are never alone, there are many participants that we can benefit to and from, all we need to do is getting involve in the many activities there are for teachers. Developing strategies and having regular meetings to discuss the needs and problems encountered with the members of the school is one strategy we have at hand and we should take advantage of it. An example of a Teacher Workshop is supplied by the article. I think that making this kind of activities come true is hard work but it should be done if we have our students’ best interests at heart. Teacher Leadership is not limited to the four walls of a classroom; a real leader-teacher will have influence beyond his/her class, but leadership in the classroom is definitely the first step.