Only Wilson County teacher leaders selected by their superintendent are eligible.
Standard I of The North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards requires that teachers demonstrate leadership that extends beyond their own students. They should mentor other teachers, work to advance the profession, advocate for positive change in policy and practice, and participate in the implementation of educational initiatives. Those duties, however, are more often associated with administrators. One of the grand ironies of education is that the most effective practitioners are often rewarded with promotions that take them away from their practice. If ambitious, creative, effective teachers could remain in the classroom while still finding means to have a school- or district-wide impact, the entire system would benefit. Teacher leaders will examine their work settings and their roles in them. Teachers will develop means to integrate intellectual growth and leadership skills into their classrooms and those of their colleagues, as well as explore the many options open to classroom teacher-leaders. They also will step out of their comfort zones for a day of engaging with the US Coast Guard to examine their teamwork and leadership models. Teachers will work toward creating an action plan for attaining a necessary outcome at their school or district level. This program is made possible by a generous grant from BB&T.