Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities

Directions: For each element, rate yourself in one of the following three categories. Then provide examples of your experiences in the
leadership domain. Finally, identify areas within each domain where you are interested in growing as a teacher leader. On the last page,
summarize your strengths and areas of possible growth. Boxes will expand as needed.
 Exploring/Emerging (E/E) - a level of practice in which the teacher leader relies on ongoing assistance from more experienced
colleagues for support, guidance, and survival. The teacher leader is moving toward becoming more self-directed and independent in
her/his practice.
 Applying (A) - a level of practice in which the teacher leader is able to provide independent leadership and easily applies what s/he
has learned about leadership.
 Integrating/Innovating (I/I) - a level of development in which the teacher leader is fully skilled and confident. The
Integrating/Innovating teacher leader contributing to the broader educational community through staff development, research, or
publication in professional journals.

Domain 1: Fosters a Collaborative Culture to Support Educator Development and Student Learning E/E A I/I
a) Utilizes group processes to help colleagues work collaboratively to solve problems, make decisions,
X
manage conflict, and promote meaningful change.
b) Models effective skills in listening, presenting ideas, leading discussions, clarifying, mediating, and X
identifying the needs of self and others in order to advance shared goals and professional learning.
c) Employs facilitation skills to create trust among colleagues, develop collective wisdom, build ownership X
and action that supports student learning.
d) Strives to create an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are welcomed in addressing challenges.
X
e) Uses knowledge and understanding of different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and languages to X
promote effective interactions among colleagues.
Three Examples of Domain 1 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
I have many examples of my experiences in fostering a I am interested in growing in the areas of understanding
collaborative culture to support educator development and different languages, cultures, and diverse perspectives to
student learning. This year I have a new teaching partner. I address challenges. Our elementary staff is very similar in our
have been helping to present ideas, lead discussions, and backgrounds and cultures. I am hoping to get to know some
guide her in effective ways to support her student learning. of the junior high and high school teachers and staff
Additionally, I share ideas with other grade levels and help members this year so that I can promote effective
to solve problems with educators at my school. One interactions across schools and grade levels.
example was the fifth grade teacher was struggling with a
student that continually blurts out. I modeled effective
listening skills and problem solving skills by providing her
with strategies that have worked for students I have had in
similar situations. Additionally, I am innovating in
promoting meaningful change because I have been part of
the Student Leadership team this year. I have implemented
many ideas such as Change for Change, Kindness week,
Positive Post-It Day, and our upcoming Reading under the
Stars event.

Domain 2: Accesses and Uses Research to Improve Practice and Student Learning E/E A I/I
a) Assists colleagues in accessing and using research in order to select appropriate strategies to improve X
student learning.
b) Facilitates the analysis of student learning data, collaborative interpretation of results, and application X
of findings to improve teaching and learning.
c) Supports colleagues in collaborating with the higher education institutions and other organizations X
engaged in researching critical educational issues.
d) Teaches and supports colleagues to collect, analyze, and communicate data from their classrooms to X
improve teaching and learning.
Three Examples of Domain 2 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth

Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 1
 1. I have helped to teach my new teaching partner I am interested in growing in the areas of supporting
how to collect, analyze, and communicate data. colleagues in collaborating with higher education institutions
We have analyzed our unit comprehension tests to and other organizations in researching educational issues. I
collect data on our students and effectiveness. desire to first research educational issues myself in order to
2. I supported my colleagues in sharing different ways help have enough information to communicate to
to use data to support and influence teaching. I colleagues.
have shared how I use different technology
resources to improve my teaching and student
learning.
3. I have recommended multiple professional
development books to colleagues that I have found
beneficial. For example, I recently recommended
The Book Whisperer to one of my colleagues who
was struggling with finding ways to help her
students love reading.

Domain 3: Promotes Professional Learning for Continuous Improvement E/E A I/I

a) Collaborates with colleagues and school administrators to plan professional learning that is team-based, X
job-embedded, sustained over time, aligned with content standards, and linked to school/district
improvement goals.
b) Uses information about adult learning to respond to the diverse learning needs of colleagues by X
identifying, promoting, and facilitating varied and differentiated professional learning.
c) Facilitates professional learning among colleagues. X
d) Identifies and uses appropriate technologies to promote collaborative and differentiated professional X
learning.
e) Works with colleagues to collect, analyze, and disseminate data related to the quality of professional X
learning and its effect on teaching and student learning.
f) Advocates for sufficient preparation, time, and support for colleagues to work in teams to engage in job- X
embedded professional learning.
g) Provides constructive feedback to colleagues to strengthen teaching practice and improve student X
learning.
h) Uses information about emerging education, economic, and social trends in planning and facilitating X
professional learning.
Three Examples of Domain 3 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
1. I support my colleagues in advocating for an I am interested in growing in the area of using information
appropriate amount of preparation and support for about adult learning to respond to the needs of my
teamwork. colleagues. I want to gain more knowledge on how to
2. I use information about emerging education and identify and promote differentiated professional learning
social trends through my teacher Instagram opportunities.
account to help plan professional learning
opportunities. A few teachers at my school
attended the Get Your Teach On Conference to
help learn more student engagement techniques.
3. I use Google Forms and Docs with many of my
colleagues to promote collaborative learning and
teamwork.

Domain 4: Facilitates Improvements in Instruction and Student Learning E/E A I/I

a) Facilitates the collection, analysis, and use of classroom and school-based data to identify opportunities X
to improve curriculum, instruction, assessment, school organization, and school culture.
b) Engages in reflective dialog with colleagues based on observation of instruction, student work, and X
assessment data and helps make connections to research-based effective practices.
c) Supports colleagues’ individual and collective reflection and professional growth by serving in roles such X
as mentor, coach, and content facilitator.
d) Serves as a team leader to harness the skills, expertise, and knowledge of colleagues to address X
curricular expectations and student learning needs.
e) Uses knowledge of existing and emerging technologies to guide colleagues in helping students skillfully X
Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 2
 and appropriately navigate the universe of knowledge available on the Internet, use social media to
promote collaborative learning, and connect with people and resources around the globe.
f) Promotes instructional strategies that address issues of diversity and equity in the classroom and X
ensures that individual student learning needs remain the central focus of instruction.
Three Examples of Domain 4 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
1. I have a teacher Instagram account that I have I am interested in growing in Domain 4c. My mentor is the
been able to use to help promote collaborative 2nd grade teacher at my school. She has been a fantastic
learning and connect with other amazing teachers mentor, and I hope that one day I am able to be a mentor for
all around the world. another teacher at my school. I am continually looking for
2. I continually help make student learning needs the ways to assist my fellow teachers and support them.
central focus of instruction and promote strategies
that I have found that work for me. Recently, I
helped a teacher identify that her student has
testing anxiety and will perform much better with
specific accommodations. I am consistently looking
for ways to ensure that individual student learning
needs are the focus of instruction.
3. I am helping guide our staff conversations to
address many gaps that I am noticing in our
curriculum. Given that I am a 6th grade elementary
teacher, I am able to see many of the gaps that the
students who have attended our school since
Kindergarten. We are continually working on
improving our curriculum across grade levels.

Domain 5: Promotes the Use of Assessments and Data for School and District Improvement E/E A I/I
a) Increases the capacity of colleagues to identify and use multiple assessment tools aligned to state and X
local standards.
b) Collaborates with colleagues in the design, implementation, scoring, and interpretation of student data X
to improve educational practice and student learning.
c) Creates a climate of trust and critical reflection in order to engage colleaguses in challenging X
conversations about student learning data that lead to solutions to identified issues.
d) Works with colleagues to use assessment and data findings to promote changes in instructional X
practices or organizational structures to improve student learning.
Three Examples of Domain 5 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
1. Given that I am the 6th grade teacher, many I am interested in understanding what assessment tools my
students come to me with large gaps or skills that colleagues are using and how they are aligned to standards.
need major improvement. I have helped to We have a mixture of different curriculums and programs
critically reflect on our math curriculum. Given the throughout the elementary school, so I want to grow in the
conversations about student learning data, our area of helping teachers identify why they are using specific
principal has brought in new math curriculums to tools.
help update and align the elementary school.
2. I work with colleagues to promote change in
instructional practices to improve student learning.
I love helping teachers become inspired to use fun,
creative strategies to create student engagement.
3. I work with colleagues, specifically the 4th grade
teacher, to help understand and interpret our
student data. The 4th grade teacher is in charge of
examining our ERB standardized testing data. I
have been working with her to better understand
how I can improve my educational practices.

Domain 6: Improves Outreach and Collaboration with Families and Community E/E A I/I
a) Uses knowledge and understanding of the different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and languages in X
the school community to promote effective interactions among colleagues, families, and the larger
community.
b) Models and teaches effective communication and collaboration skills with families and other X
Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 3
 stakeholders focused on attaining equitable achievement for students of all backgrounds and
circumstances.
c) Facilitates colleagues’ self-examination of their own understandings of community culture and diversity X
and how they can develop culturally responsive strategies to enrich the educational experiences of
students and achieve high levels of learning for all students.
d) Develops a shared understanding among colleagues of the diverse educational needs of families and the X
community.
e) Collaborates with families, communities, and colleagues to develop comprehensive strategies to address X
the diverse educational needs of families and the community.
Three Examples of Domain 6 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
1. I am constantly communicating with my students, I want to continue growing in the area of Domain 6e. I want
families, and administration about helping to to help develop strategies to address the diverse needs of
provide equitable achievement for all students. families and the community. I want to be able to promote
2. I understand the culture of my community and interactions between our school and the community.
help connect with all families to develop high
levels of learning for all students.
3. I have helped my teaching partner understand the
importance of connecting with the students’
communities in order to best meet their unique
needs and develop strong relationships with each
child.

Domain 7: Advocates for Student Learning and the Profession E/E A I/I
a) Shares information with colleagues within and/or beyond the district regarding how local, state, and X
national trends and policies can impact classroom practices and expectations for student learning.
b) Works with colleagues to identify and use research to advocate for teaching and learning processes that X
meet the needs of all students.
c) Collaborates with colleagues to select appropriate opportunities to advocate for the rights and/or needs X
of students, to secure additional resources within the building or district that support student learning,
and to communicate effectively with targeted audiences such as parents and community members.
d) Advocates for access to professional resources, including financial support and human and other X
material resources, that allow colleagues to spend significant time learning about effective practices and
developing a professional learning community focused on school improvement goals.
e) Represents and advocates for the profession in contexts outside of the classroom. X
Three Examples of Domain 7 Experiences Areas of Interest in Growth
1. I research and share new ideas and teaching I am interested in growing in the area of advocating for the
practices that help to support the needs of all teaching profession outside of the classroom. I want to be
students. I read and subscribe to many teaching able to help the community and others understand the
blogs and podcasts. importance of supporting teachers and positive educational
2. I share information with my colleagues about how practices.
to best support their students and communicate
with parents.
3. One of the teachers at my school was have a
difficult time knowing how to get a student tested
and receive the support she needed because the
parent did not approve. We researched together
and found a way to communicate the importance
to the parents to help the student get the support
and testing she needed.

Summary of Strengths and Areas of Possible Growth

Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 4
 After assessing my teacher leadership skills, I have discovered that I have many strengths in facilitating instruction and
student learning. I have a passion for sharing ideas and new strategies that will help improve student engagement,
learning, and understanding. I have strengths in finding ways to meet the needs of each child. I do not see my class as
whole single unit, but rather each individual child as a unique learner.

I have many areas of possible growth in advocating for the teaching profession outside of the school context and
developing strategies to address the diverse educational needs of my students’ communities and families. I want to be
able to grow in these areas by taking the time to provide parental resources to help them provide additional home
support. I want to connect with the different ethnicities and cultures in my school community.

Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 5