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
• During our staff meeting once a week, we share I think this domain is going to be challenging to grow and
weekly news and trouble shoot any issues that may develop in within a trimester. This will be an ongoing goal for
have come up. As a team, we have an inclusive me. I noticed that in working in smaller groups such as with
culture where anyone is able to share and multiple my grade level coworker and within the primary level, I am
perspectives are encouraged to collaborate for the more confident in fostering a supportive culture to support
common good of the students/school community. our development and student learning. It is within the
(d) greater school community where I’d like to develop these
• With ongoing support, I model effective skills in subdomains. I want to work toward sharing my opinions,
listening, presenting ideas, clarifying and identifying because I am already strong in listening and considering
the needs of myself and others within the primary multiple perspectives.
team. This occurs most often during our monthly
primary meetings where we have discussions and
have the space to work toward our shared goals as a
group. (b)
• In working with my fellow grade level teacher, I am
developing in my skills to use my understanding of
different backgrounds and experiences to foster a
collaborative experience for us both. We meet daily
to discuss everything and I’d like to take my
interpersonal skills developed with her and transfer
that to other grades above and below me to help
bridge the gap between grades.

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.

Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 1
 d) Teaches and supports colleagues to collect, analyze, and communicate data from their classrooms to
improve teaching and learning.
Three Examples of Domain 2 Experiences
• With the primary level team, I am developing in
supporting them research and access strategies to
support and improve student learning. I have not
fully researched or implemented any specific new
strategies independently but am working with the
team in searching for appropriate strategies to
improve student learning.
• With the reading specialists and grade level
coworker, I review and analyze my class data and
have grouped them according to their needs for
reading and math. We revise and guide lessons
based on these assessment results.
• My mentor and I discussed homework and if it
supports student learning. There is a lot of research
out there to support different perspectives. We
discussed that that could be an example of
researching to improve student learning.
X
Areas of Interest in Growth
I’d like to grow in using evidence-based research to guide
instructional strategies utilized in the classroom. Other than
looking up specific needs for my classroom, I am wondering if
there is a resource that provides ongoing links to relevant
data for teachers to consider. The curriculum and strategies
that I currently use are effective, but teaching is about
growing and developing skills. I’d like to grow in in
supporting my colleagues, who are not always as willing to
grow and be a resource to them as needed so that they can
also implement effective strategies to improve student
learning.

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
• With the obtainment of new curriculum, our teachers I feel like a lot of my focus is on my student learning and
pushed to have the admin set up a time for us to be making that differentiated but I have not considered as much
trained in utilizing the curriculum so that we could be in doing this for colleagues. I’ve also considered continuing
equipped for implementing it with students. I did not education for myself, and not for my colleagues. I’d like to
find the training as helpful as I thought it could be, grow in facilitating professional learning among colleagues
because it was all grades using the new curriculum at and having valid reasons for why they should care or
once. It was a short time for all grades to get in the participate in this continued growth and development as
questions needed. well. When our own learning is developed, it helps us to
• I provide constructive feedback to colleagues about create meaningful learning for our students.
things we collaborate on such as lessons or projects. We
brainstorm next steps and I give my opinion of students
engagement on the task.
• I know I’d like to grow the tech access for my students
and have asked for more iPad resources, devices, and
access to tech conferences so that I can develop my
knowledge and bring that back to the students.

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

Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 2
 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
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
• This year we have begun to analyze a new science I really want to focus on this area for improvement. I feel like
curriculum in the primary level. We are using I am strong in using data to drive instruction, but I can work
teacher feedback and student data to determine if to build this skill with colleagues. I’d like to grow in knowing
this curriculum will fit our school next year and different technologies our level or school can use to increase
beyond. student engagement. I’d like to focus on subdomain (b) since
• In working with my mentor, we often discuss I already feel pretty developed in this area. I’d like to focus
improvements that we want to make to improve on (d) serving as a team leader as well as to have knowledge
student engagement and learning. We collaborate of emerging technologies. I want to be able to promote
on this but I have not had an opportunity to support collaborative learning and connect with other resources in
other teachers independently in this area. the greater community, state, or world. These experiences
• In working with my co level teacher, we discuss would help me improve student instruction and student
instructional strategies, student behavioral needs learning.
and adjust our lessons and strategies as needed. We
work to ensure individual student needs remain the
central focus of instruction and I am growing in this
area.

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 colleagues 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
• I use STAR testing data guides instruction for An area I’d like to grow is working with colleagues to identify
differentiated learning groups in reading and math. multiple assessment tools aligned to standards that could
• I collaborate with the reading team to score and effectively impact our school. If the data shows that students
review the data. This guides their instruction as well. benefit from more testing or other tools that are more
• We have challenging conversations during SST effective, I would find that helpful and relevant.
meetings. The data is reviewed and anecdotal are
discussed. Student needs are addressed and goals
are created from this information. I feel confident in
having these challenging conversations because the
data can support the claims.

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.

Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 3
 b) Models and teaches effective communication and collaboration skills with families and other X
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
• I reach out to families with student data after each I’d like to grow in collaborating with families, communities
STAR testing period. This information is given via and colleagues to develop strategies to address the diverse
paper, email, and in-person communication if educational needs of families and the community. I’d like to
needed. be able to use student data to support our outreach and
• I have an understanding of the diverse needs of the bridge the collaboration between the school, families, and
families at our school. My background in working community.
with children with student support plans has
equipped me with knowledge of families with
students with diverse educational needs. I am able
to communicate my understanding of this with
colleagues in my primary level team.
• In meeting with families of students with varied
educational needs, I am growing in offering
strategies to address the needs and offering
resources available to families that the school
provides. During conferences this can happen or
throughout the school year during SST meetings or
with administration.

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
• Advocated for support from parents and school I’d like to grow my interests in being an advocate with the
families to support our classroom with donations or administration and higher up to get the resource my
to sponsor the classroom. students could benefit from. I am not sure of all the
• Advocated from the administration for professional resources available to my students that I do not know of that
development for the new science curriculum as well I should be aware of. I’d like to be able to collaborate with
as to have STEM and science assemblies at the colleagues to effectively brainstorm these ideas to then
school during the year. share with the school community.
• I’ve advocated for the teaching profession with my
family, in describing my role and responsibilities.
Especially in working at a private school, I have had
to provide my reasoning for wanting to work at this
school site as opposed to a public setting.

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
 One area of strength is Domain 5- Promotes the Use of Assessments and Data for School and District Improvement. I work
with colleagues in designing, implementing, scoring, and interpreting student data to improve our educational practices. We
test students 3-5 times per year on STAR Renaissance testing in both reading and math. I enjoy reviewing the data with
colleagues and making changes or needed improvements to students learning, curriculum, and lesson objectives based on
the testing results. Even if changes are not made, the data is great for interpreting and determining if curriculum has any gaps
or is there are needs the group needs as a whole. I also work to create a climate of trust and critical reflection in order to
engage colleagues in challenging conversations about student learning data. I think in meeting with the reading team, we
work in a way that has cultivated a climate of honesty and understanding that we are working to getter the education of the
children and to work together toward a solution that works best. Trust and collaborative reflection are key in making this
work.

I see that I am most strong in collaboration with colleagues in analyzing data, I strive to maintain an inclusive culture and
environment, I work to support others in maintaining awareness of the diverse school culture and educational needs, and I
am an advocate for the profession outside of the classroom.

The domain I’d like to grow and focus on is (4) facilitating improvements in student instruction and student learning. I am
interested in learning how I can identify needed improvements in curriculum, technology, or educational strategies at my
school and be able to present something to my colleagues that we can implement and see if there are any improvements to
student outcomes through the improved instruction. I’d like the material to be evidence based and for there to be a
connection to the core that our school already has in place. In terms of improving student learning, I think if we have strong
instructional strategies and resources, the student engagement and learning will increase as well. I’d like to become
competent enough to be able to teach colleagues through professional development as well, when I become competent in a
certain area.

I’d also like to improve in domain 3: promoting professional learning for continuous improvement. I’d like to be able to
attend more conferences and be able to bring back new and exciting information to my colleagues that we can discuss and
implement. I’d be willing to research topics we are interested in growing in as a whole, in addition to my own interests. We
could then extend the trainings to parents so that parents can also support their children at home with the use of effective
instructional strategies.

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