Teacher Leader Model Tennessee School for the Deaf

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Because the Tennessee standards have become more rigorous and research indicates teachers learn best from other teachers, Tennessee School for the Deaf (TSD) has established a teacher leader model that promotes a positive school culture and provides teachers a defined pathway to leadership. Therefore, at TSD, a teacher leader empowers peers through strategic collaboration and instructional support so that students are equipped to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally. As a result, the TSD Teacher Leader Model will foster increased student growth and postsecondary readiness, and it will address the unique language and cultural needs of Deaf and hard of hearing students.

Competencies and Beliefs

TSD teacher leaders believe:

  • students should be equipped to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally.
  • all students can learn at high levels.
  • learning is a lifelong process.
  • data can be used strategically to improve student learning.
  • collaboration is an essential element in building culture of continuous growth.

TSD teacher leaders have the capacity to:

  • empower peers through strategic collaboration and academic support.
  • drive positive change.
  • build relations based on shared vision.
  • analyze student data and use to guide instruction.
  • promote high expectations for teachers and students.
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Roles and Responsibilities

Instructional Coach

One coach each: ELA, math/STEAM, science/STEAM, social studies, CDC, CTE

  • Attends summer TEAM evaluator training and completes certification/recertification
  • Assists colleagues by sharing instructional and professional resources (websites, instructional materials, professional literature, lesson or unit plans, tools of assessment)
  • Collaborates with teachers in implementing effective teaching strategies including differentiated instruction
  • Understands research-based classroom strategies
  • Communicates standards and any revisions that may occur
  • Ensures curriculum fidelity
  • Supports colleagues by demonstrating lessons, co-teaching, or observing and giving feedback
  • Documents services and submits monthly

Professional Development Coordinator

  • Plans and facilitates the professional learning opportunities at TSD
  • Encourages growth and affects change both in and outside of the classroom
  • Supports school initiatives and is focused on exploring new strategies
  • Exhibits exemplary organizational and communication skills
  • Provides need-based professional learning as indicated by teacher surveys and evaluation results
  • Finds opportunities to improve
  • Works closely with data coaches
  • Documents services and submits monthly

Mentor Program Facilitator

  • Leads the three-year mentoring program with mentors and their novice teachers
  • Establishes a schedule of regular contact and check-ins with all the mentors
  • Provides a monthly plan for the mentors to assist their novice teachers
  • Conducts beginning-of-the-year orientations and end-of-year celebrations with the mentor-mentee team members
  • Assigns mentor and novice teacher partnerships
  • Stays current on teacher licensure requirements and the current observation system
  • Documents services and submits monthly

Data Coach

One coach for elementary/middle school, and one for high school/PSTP program

  • Analyzes data and works with administration and faculty to generate effective responses to school and student needs
  • Works with teachers on analyzing their own data, including benchmarks, and using it to enhance and engage student learning
  • Advocates for data-driven instruction
  • Consolidates data and generates graphic visualizations
  • Works closely with professional development coordinator
  • Documents services and submits monthly

IEP Specialist

One coach for elementary/middle school, and one for high school/PSTP program

  • Serves as “IEP expert” to assigned departments
  • Reviews IEP drafts before finalization
  • Stays current on changes to EZIEP
  • Provides training on changes to IEP process
  • Assists teachers who need extra assistance with IEP development
  • Attends training relevant to IEPs
  • Works closely with professional development coordinator to provide professional learning as needed.
  • Works closely with mentor program facilitator to ensure new teachers understand TSD IEP policies and procedures
  • Documents services and submits monthly

Cost and Sustainability

Tennessee School for the Deaf will develop a teacher leader model for the following positions: instructional coach, professional development coordinator, mentor program facilitator, data coach, and IEP specialist over a two-year commitment for each position. The total budgeted cost will include the funding cost per year for each teacher leader role. The total budgeted cost set aside for Tennessee School for the Deaf teacher leader roles/model per year is $74,000.

Sustainability Strategies

  • Maintain the differentiated pay plan focus on teacher leader roles/model.
  • Use teacher leaders to provide training for teachers during staff development days.
  • Continue to allocate Title I, Title II, and Title IV for the teacher leader model.
  • Promote the success of the teacher leader model through biannual presentations/meetings with Tennessee School for the Deaf administration, principals, and federal programs coordinator.
  • Clearly define roles and expectations of the selected teacher leaders.
  • The teacher leader program must be communicated in a manner that ensures transparency of the purpose, roles and responsibilities, eligibility requirements, and compensation guidelines to ensure candidates are clear about the position.
  • Each teacher leader maintains status as a full-time classroom teacher.