Teacher Leader Model
Wilson County Schools
Wilson County is currently one of the fastest growing counties in Tennessee, and much of this growth is attributed to the quality public education available. As the district continues to build schools and hire more teachers, it is imperative for the district to continue to adhere to its mission statement: the Wilson County School System is to ensure an environment in which every student develops high personal expectations, knowledge, and skills necessary to be successful today and in the future.
Considering this, Wilson County revised its Teacher Leader Model in 2018-19. The strategic plan has identified increased academic achievement in both reading/language arts and mathematics, which requires more support for teachers at the classroom level than the district currently has the capacity to provide. Initiating a robust teacher leader program will provide students a better education.
Competencies and Beliefs
Wilson County teacher leaders believe:
- all students have the right to high-quality education, regardless of the school they attend.
- all students are capable of learning and exhibiting academic growth.
- both student learning and teacher learning is a lifelong process.
- relationships are fundamental for students and teachers to grow academically.
- effective teachers have the greatest impact on student success.
- a culture of trust and collaboration is imperative to both student and teacher success.
Wilson County teacher leaders have the capacity to:
- provide support to all teachers, regardless of their level of experience.
- model effective instructional practices and strategies in order to support successful teaching and learning.
- develop and lead quality, targeted professional learning opportunities.
- support colleagues through collaboration.
- serve as subject area and content specialists.
- build levels of trust within and between schools as the district continues to implement initiatives which support providing all students a high-quality education.
Roles and Responsibilities
ELA, Math, and Science Leaders
- Participates in content-specific professional learning
- Delivers school-level professional learning
- Provides support in professional learning communities (PLCs), data analysis, and strategic planning
- Networks with other teacher leaders within the district
Digital Technology Leader
- Coaches and models instructional technology
- Assists principals in improving digital effectiveness
- Provides support for all IT programs
- Provides professional learning
New Teacher Mentor
- Assigns a new teacher to mentor
- Meets with the assigned teachers monthly
- Coordinates weekly check-ins for day-to-day questions
- Supports in non-evaluative, feedback-centered evaluations
Portfolio Teacher Leader
- Receives specialized training in the portfolio process for either pre-K–2 or P.E.
- Meets with content level supervisors as needed
- Provides support for teachers participating in the portfolio evaluation process
- Develops and provides professional development
Cost and Sustainability
School district budgets fluctuate for a myriad of reasons. The teacher leader plan for the 2018-19 school year is an ambitious teacher leader program. The general purpose fund and Title II funds will provide the financial support needed to implement a program that the district believes will provide its schools and teachers with a level of support that currently does not exist. As the district continues to grow, a teacher leader program must provide an exemplary return on investment. Wilson County will monitor and evaluate this program and make necessary adjustments in an effort to provide assurances that the program benefits teachers and raises student achievement.
Budget
| Teacher Leader Role | Number of Positions | Cost Per Position | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELA teacher leaders | 24 | $1,500 | $36,000 |
| Math teacher leaders | 24 | $1,500 | $36,000 |
| Science teacher leaders | 24 | $1,500 | $36,000 |
| Digital teacher leaders | 25 | $1,250 | $31,250 |
| New teacher mentors | 70 | $500 | $35,000 |
| Portfolio teacher leaders | 15 | Up to $750 | 11,250 |
| Materials for training | N/A | N/A | $2,000 |
| Total teacher leaders | 182 | $187,500 minimum |
Sustainability Strategies
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the teacher leader program and share results with stakeholders.
- Align strategic plans to support the teacher leader model.
- Provide administrators with the capacity to develop teacher leaders within their building through professional learning and support.
- Incorporate teacher leader trainings into professional learning days to absorb extra costs.