Trenton SSD Teacher Leader Model

Trenton

Trenton Special School District teacher leader program empowers educators to address the ever-changing expectations and challenges in education. This opportunity fosters a collaborative culture, builds capacity among professional staff, and improves teacher effectiveness which positively impacts student achievement.

Competencies and Beliefs

Trenton teacher leaders believe:

  • all students can learn.
  • in a growth mindset.
  • in utilizing teacher's strengths to best serve students.
  • that collaboration, feedback, and reflection are essential.

Trenton teacher leaders have the capacity to:

  • promote high expectations for teachers and students.
  • provide ongoing training and support for educators.
  • engage in clear and concise communication with students, teachers, and administrators.
  • influence others with a positive, professional attitude.
Trenton Special School District has 9 teacher leader positions; all teacher leaders are full-time teachers. Roles include professional development leader (3 positions), digital teacher leader (3 positions), and communication leader (3 positions).

Roles and Responsibilities

Communication Leader

  • Serves as a liaison between teachers, school administrators, and district leaders regarding communication ideas and suggestions
  • Communicates between schools—building to building
  • Coordinates parent and community outreach and social media

Professional Development Teacher Leader

  • Serves as special and general education classroom support
  • Supports curriculum and instructional practices/differentiation
  • Coordinates professional development opportunities district wide

Digital Teacher Leader

  • Assists with software applications
  • Develops personalized learning
  • Integrates digital instructional strategies in the classroom

Cost & Sustainability

Total budget for Trenton Special School District teacher leader program is $32,500 annually. This budget initially used differentiated pay allocations; in 2018-19, the district switched to federal funds.

Budget

Teacher    Leader Role    Number of Positions Cost    Per Position    Total   
Communication leaders 3 $2,500 $7,500
Professional development leaders 3 $2,500 $7,500
Digital teacher leaders 3 $2,500 $7,500
Professional learning     Up to $10,000
Total teacher leaders 9   $32,500

Sustainability Strategies

  • Reallocation of general purpose and federal funds.
  • Teacher leaders mentored by administrators and/or academic coaches.
  • Professional learning opportunities.