When we think about instructional leadership, the image that often comes to mind is the principal doing walkthroughs, leading PD, and driving initiatives. But the truth is—no one person can carry the weight of school improvement alone. The most impactful schools we’ve seen, including our own, were the ones where leadership was shared, distributed, and rooted in trust.
Empowering teachers as instructional leaders not only builds professional capacity, it strengthens school culture. When teachers feel their voice matters and their expertise is valued, they lead with purpose—and their peers follow.
Here are three actionable ways to build teacher leadership in your building, starting now:
- Redefine “Leadership” in Your School
Leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about influence and ownership. Begin by broadening the definition of leadership so that any staff member can see themselves in it.
Try this: Invite staff to co-create a “leadership in action” vision statement. Use it to recognize informal leaders who model initiative, collaboration, or innovation—even if they don’t have a formal role.
- Give Teachers a Seat at the Table
Want teachers to buy in? Let them help build what they’re being asked to implement. Whether you’re shaping PD, reviewing curriculum, or rolling out school-wide goals—make space for teacher voice.
Try this: Form a rotating Teacher Advisory Team or include teacher leaders in your leadership team meetings. Their insights are not only practical, they help build trust across staff.
- Create Low-Lift Leadership Opportunities
Not every teacher wants to lead a committee, and that’s okay. Provide flexible, meaningful roles that align with teachers’ strengths and passions.
Try this: Ask a tech-savvy teacher to lead a 10-minute app tutorial during staff meetings, or have PLC facilitators share a strategy from their team once a month.
Final thought:
Leadership is not about hierarchy—it’s about shared responsibility. When we lift teachers into leadership, we’re not just distributing tasks—we’re multiplying our impact. And that’s what creates real momentum for student success.