The document discusses developing teacher leadership in mathematics and science education in Michigan. It notes that many current leaders are nearing retirement, so there is a need to identify and develop new teachers to take on leadership roles over the next few decades. It also states that teacher leadership is loosely defined and looks different in various schools and programs. The document advises that the goal is not to define teacher leadership but to help each team develop their own understanding of what it will look like in their situation. It relates that past experiences found teachers exceeded expectations for leadership roles when administrators collaborated with teachers on defining their responsibilities. The activity is intended to explore ideas around teacher leadership and construct a working definition for each team.

1. SCRIPT FOR TEACHER
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITY
The State of Michigan needs an infusion of new blood into
leadership in mathematics and science.
Many professionals who have been working in science and mathematics education are approaching the
end of their careers. We are at a point in time when our nation is pleading for the next generation of
science and mathematics teachers and leaders. It is our hope, through this project to begin to identify
and develop these individuals to carry us through the next three or four decades.
Teacher leadership is not well defined.
The term is used rather loosely and little consensus exists as to its meaning. Part of the reason is that
teacher leaders are used in very different ways in schools. Also, many programs are labeled “teacher
leadership” while being very diverse in nature.
We know every teacher’s situation is different.
It is not our intention to define teacher leadership for you and produce “cookie cutter” teacher
leaders. It is important, however, in the context of this project, for every team to begin to develop an
understanding of what teacher leadership will look like in their situation.
Teachers far exceed the expectations held for them.
From field experience it has been found that, when teacher leaders are allowed to craft their roles and
responsibilities in collaboration with their administrators, they exceed the expectations held for
them. The empowerment these teachers feel and the initiative that they and their principals take to
improve student experiences and performance in mathematics and science is amazing.
Construct a Working Definition of teacher leadership.
This activity is designed to allow you to: 1) begin to explore ideas around teacher leadership, and 2)
begin to construct a working definition that will be useful to your team.