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
As a Professional Learning Community Lead within the Math I would like to continue to grow my skills in facilitating
Department, I am responsible for planning, conducting, and productive discussions between my colleagues. I know that I
leading meetings between teachers within my PLCs. am a good listener and I am good at moderating discussions,
Whenever we have to make decisions or solve problems as a but I sometimes have trouble eloquently presenting my own
group, I make sure to give each of my colleagues appropriate ideas. I have ideas and opinions about our curriculum and
amount of time and space to contribute their ideas. As a about our instructional practices, but it sometimes takes me
leader, I want to make sure that each of my colleagues feels longer than I would like to summarize my own thoughts. I
heard and feels that they are active contributors to our PLC. would also like to continue learning about different
I like to present the problem/task we need to solve/complete backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and languages to promote
as a group, then give my colleagues time to speak. I actively effective interactions amongst my colleagues. I feel that,
listen to what they have to say and provide my own insights because of my own cultural and ethnic upbringing, that I am
whenever appropriate. Afterwards, I like to summarize sensitive to the backgrounds of others. However, I feel that
everything that my colleagues shared so that we can agree this is always something that I can improve on and grow my
on a common solution. knowledge of.

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
As a PLC lead at my school, I consistently lead conversations I would like to assist my colleagues in assessing and using
around assessment data analysis with my colleagues. We research in order to select appropriate strategies to improve
give common summative assessments at my school, so it is student learning. After talking about assessment data
important that we analyze the data from these assessments. analysis and trends for our students, we often talk about next
We not only discuss averages, highs, and lows, but we also steps and any instructional changes we can make to better
analyze trends in areas of strength and areas of serve our students. However, we rarely point to utilizing
improvement for our students. We use these conversations research in order to select these instructional
Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 1
 to then discuss ways to improve our own teaching practices,
and the learning experiences for our students. I also compile
these data analyses into our PLC meeting minutes, and
present our data to our department chair so that we can
discuss PLC level goals and department goals.
changes/processes. I would like to lead my colleagues in
doing this, and also remind my colleagues to do this. In
addition to referencing research, I would also like to support
my colleagues in collaborating with higher education
institutions or other organizations engaged in researching
critical educational issues. Our administration promotes
teachers getting involved in educational communities outside
of our school, but this is not a practice that I bring up or
suggest to my colleagues.

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,
job-embedded, sustained over time, aligned with content standards, and linked to school/district X
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
I was chosen to be on an admin-appointed task force this This domain contains most of my areas of interest in growth.
summer that involved choosing and implementing the best As a new PLC lead at my school, I am interested in finding
curriculum and technology for the upcoming school year. new ways to help my colleagues grow and continue to learn.
This allowed me to be an active collaborator with other I would like to grow in my abilities to provide constructive
faculty members and administration to plan and implement feedback to my colleagues to strengthen their teaching
week-long professional development sessions for all faculty practice and improve student learning. As a PLC lead, I often
members on campus. Being on this task force also allowed give suggestions when my colleagues ask for my opinion.
me to advocate for teachers within the math department in However, I rarely give constructive feedback to my
conversations around our schedule and time allotted to colleagues (even when I see areas in which they could
faculty members for planning, preparation, and PLC improve and thus improve their students’ learning
meetings. experience). I would also like to grow my knowledge about
adult learning so that I can respond to the needs of my
colleagues and identify, promote, and facilitate differentiated
and varied professional learning for them.

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
and appropriately navigate the universe of knowledge available on the Internet, use social media to X
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.
Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 2
 Three Examples of Domain 4 Experiences
As a PLC Lead, I facilitate the collection, analysis, and use of
classroom data to identify opportunities to improve
curriculum, instruction, and assessment. I work at a private
school, so we have the luxury of changing our curriculum and
technology tools used to make the learning experience as
successful for our students as possible, so we are constantly
evaluating our teaching practices and the tools we are using
in the classroom to do so. As a PLC Lead, I also serve as a
team leader to harness the skills, expertise, and knowledge
of colleagues to address curricular expectations and student
learning needs. I offer insights and provide a structured time
for my colleagues to share their own experience so that we
can continue to learn and grow together. This year, I also
serve as a mentor to a new teacher at our school. In this
role, I am constantly prompting my mentee to practice self-
reflection so that he can evaluate the practices he is utilizing
in his classroom and help him improve in these practices.
Areas of Interest in Growth
I would like to continue to grow in all of these areas. I feel
that I am “Applying” in the areas of Domain 4, meaning that I
can grow to be “Integrating/Innovating” in all of these areas.
I also feel that we, as educators, can constantly find new
ways to improve instruction and student learning. This is a
dynamic area of growth for educators. However, more
specifically, I would like to continue to grow in my role as a
team leader to harness the skills, expertise, and knowledge
of my colleagues to address curricular expectations and
student learning needs. I would also like to continue to grow
in my role as a mentor and content facilitator within my
PLCs, within my department, and within my school.

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
With the heavy focus on utilizing technology in the For Domain 5, I would like to grow in my knowledge and
classrooms this year (with remote learning and hybrid awareness of assessment tools that my colleagues and I can
learning), I am constantly encouraging my colleagues to try utilize in our classroom. Nowadays, there are so many free
out multiple assessment tools in their classrooms to find the assessment tools that teachers can use, each of them has
ones that work the best for them. As a new teacher, and as their own sets of pros and cons. I would like to be even more
someone who likes using technology whenever I can, I have well-versed in these assessment tools so that I can be a
used many assessment tools but am always willing to try technology resource for my colleagues within my PLCs and
something new as well. As a PLC Lead, I work with my my department. I would also like to grow in how I lead
colleagues to write common summative assessments. During conversations around using assessment data and findings to
the assessment-writing process, we agree on design, promote changes in instructional practices and
implementation, scoring and interpretation of student data. organizational structures to improve student learning. I feel
This allows us to have productive conversations around our that we have good and productive conversations within the
assessment data, and how we can use this data to improve PLCs I lead, but we rarely bring these conversations to the
our instructional practices. department.

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
the school community to promote effective interactions among colleagues, families, and the larger X
community.
b) Models and teaches effective communication and collaboration skills with families and other
stakeholders focused on attaining equitable achievement for students of all backgrounds and X
circumstances.
c) Facilitates colleagues’ self-examination of their own understandings of community culture and diversity
and how they can develop culturally responsive strategies to enrich the educational experiences of X
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.
Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 3
 Three Examples of Domain 6 Experiences
Whenever I am interacting with colleagues, families, and
anyone of the larger community, I am aware that they may
have a different background than me. I try to meet my
students, families, colleagues, etc. wherever I need to so that
we can have an understanding and productive conversation.
I also model these communication and collaboration skills for
my fellow colleagues when I am working with families and
their students. I believe that family support is crucial for a
students’ academic success, so I try to have these
conversations with deep understanding. Also, during
department meetings, I continue to develop our shared
understanding of the diverse educational needs of families
and our educational community.
Areas of Interest in Growth
Overall, I would like to improve in all areas of Domain 6. I am
aware of my own cultural background and biases I hold, and
am aware that people have different perspectives than I do
because of their own backgrounds. However, I think that this
is a constant area of growth for me so that I can be as well-
versed and understanding as possible when it comes to being
an educator and a facilitator. Also, as a leader within my
school, I would like to grow in how I facilitate conversations
around my colleagues’ self-examination of their own biases.
These can be difficult conversations to have, but they are
very necessary to have.

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
of students, to secure additional resources within the building or district that support student learning, X
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
material resources, that allow colleagues to spend significant time learning about effective practices and X
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
As a PLC Lead and as a Curriculum and Technology Task Force Within Domain 7, I would like to continue to grow in
Member at my school, I have served as the liaison between advocating for access to professional resources that allow my
our administration or our department chair and my colleagues to spend significant time learning about effective
colleagues. When new information comes out about COVID- practices and developing professional learning communities
19 and when new state/county guidelines come about, I focused on school improvement goals. Our administration is
relay this information to my colleagues and discuss how we very supportive of teachers seeking out their own
can modify our teaching practices to fit within these professional development if it benefits their department
guidelines. Also, because I teach at a private school, not all and/or the school. I have attended a few webinars and in-
of my colleagues have teaching credentials or have taken person conferences so I am constantly getting newsletters on
classes for educators. Because of this, I often provide my upcoming PD opportunities. However, I could do a better job
colleagues with information regarding the Common Core at presenting these opportunities to my colleagues so that
State Standards and guidelines on writing cohesive lesson anyone interested can attend.
plans (especially for our upcoming WASC/WCEA visit for
accreditation). Aside from this, as a PLC Lead and Task Force
Member, I have the opportunity to collaborate with
colleagues (both within and outside of my department) to
select appropriate resources for our students that fit their
needs and support their learning.

Summary of Strengths and Areas of Possible Growth

Strengths:

Overall, my strengths surround my ability to create collaborative environments between my colleagues. As a PLC lead, I have
many opportunities to lead constructive conversations with my colleagues around data analysis and teaching practices to
better the learning experiences of our students. I understand the strength that we can have as a PLC if we actively
collaborate with each other, so I promote an inclusive, understanding and welcoming environment for my colleagues and
fellow-PLC members. I also believe that my ability to collaborate with my colleagues is a strength of mine. I understand that
my colleagues have their own sets of strengths, so I like to pool our strengths together so that we can be a strong and
productive collaborative group within our department.

Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities (adapted from Teacher Leader Model Standards (http://www.teacherleaderstandards.org/) 4
 Areas of Possible Growth:

I have many areas of growth that I would like to explore and improve on. Many of these areas of growth surround the idea of
being an active advocator for my colleagues. As a leader within my school community, I feel that I have the opportunity to
speak up for my fellow PLC members when they voice concerns and areas of improvement to me. I would also like to
improve on supporting my colleagues in pursuing opportunities to further their own professional development outside of our
school environment (whether that be with finding research to help them improve on their teaching practices, or attending
teacher conferences/webinars where they can learn from and collaborate with educators from outside of our district). This is
an area of constant improvement of mine as well, but I would like to continue to learn about different backgrounds and to
learn about my own biases so that I can foster a welcoming, inclusive, understanding, and culturally responsive environment
within my classroom and in all of my interactions with students, families, and colleagues.

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