Teacher Leaders Guidelines and Application
Deadline:Friday, November 9, 2012
The Washington Teachers’ Union invites you to participate in the Teacher Leaders program for DCPS teachers. Union members with full-time classroom responsibilities will be selected to join a nationwide teacher leaders network. We are seeking teachers who would like to take an active role in influencing policy in the following areas, for example:
Teacher Leadership in School Change—the ways in which teachers develop as leaders
Teacher Preparation and New Teacher Induction—the ways in which teachers are educated, recruited, oriented, evaluated, supported, and retained
Ongoing Professional Growth—the means by which teachers engage in professional growth, learning opportunities, and reflection
Teacher Networks—the ways in which teachers connect to other teachers and organizations for the purpose of expanding their learning community
Role of High Stakes Testing—how students are assessed and how students are prepared for college and career readiness
School Design—how schools are organized and how instruction is delivered
Teacher Evaluation—the need for fair and meaningful accountability
We will provide teachers with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to influence policy locally, statewide, and nationally. This will include framing practical policy positions that relate to improved student achievement; conducting research in classrooms and schools; engaging the public and elected officials in community conversations about education; participating on advisory boards, panels, and task forces; developing policy recommendations based on research conducted; and publishing and disseminating findings and recommendations nationwide.
Teachers selected for the program will:
- Increase knowledge of major challenges facing the teaching profession through readings and discussions with leading policy experts
- Improve leadership skills
- Be recognized by the public and media
- Represent teachers nationwide as spokespersons and become members of an nationwide community
- Participate in conducting research and using it in influencing policy
- Be awarded a $1000 stipend We are seeking a diverse group of teacher-leaders who are active in their school communities and have track records in working to improve schools.
The application is due no later than Friday, November 9, 2012. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Sharon Bocar at or (202) 266-5069
All portions of the application must be submitted or the application will be considered incomplete:
(1) application; (2) commitments; (3) essay; and (4) two letters of recommendation.