How can you develop leadership skills as a new teacher?

1 Seek feedback

One of the best ways to improve your practice and learn from others is to seek feedback from your colleagues, mentors, and supervisors. Feedback can help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, as well as provide you with new ideas and perspectives. You can ask for feedback on specific aspects of your teaching, such as classroom management, instructional strategies, or student engagement. You can also invite others to observe your lessons and give you constructive suggestions. Be open to feedback and use it to refine your goals and actions.

2 Join a professional network

Another way to develop leadership skills as a new teacher is to join a professional network that connects you with other educators who share your interests, challenges, and aspirations. A professional network can offer you opportunities for collaboration, learning, and support. You can join a network within your school, district, or online, depending on your preferences and availability. You can also participate in network activities, such as workshops, webinars, or online forums, where you can exchange ideas, resources, and best practices with your peers.

3 Take on a leadership role

A third way to develop leadership skills as a new teacher is to take on a leadership role that aligns with your passion and expertise. A leadership role can be formal or informal, depending on your level of experience and confidence. For example, you can volunteer to lead a committee, a project, or a club in your school, or you can mentor a new teacher, a student, or a community member. Taking on a leadership role can help you demonstrate your initiative, creativity, and responsibility, as well as expand your network and influence.

4 Reflect on your practice

A fourth way to develop leadership skills as a new teacher is to reflect on your practice regularly and systematically. Reflection can help you evaluate your progress, identify your challenges, and plan your next steps. You can reflect on your practice by using a journal, a portfolio, or a rubric, or by engaging in a dialogue with a colleague, a mentor, or a coach. Reflection can help you develop self-awareness, critical thinking, and decision-making skills, as well as foster a growth mindset.

5 Seek professional development

A fifth way to develop leadership skills as a new teacher is to seek professional development opportunities that enhance your knowledge, skills, and competencies. Professional development can take various forms, such as courses, workshops, conferences, or online programs. You can choose professional development opportunities that match your needs, interests, and goals, as well as the needs of your students and school. Professional development can help you update your practice, learn new trends and innovations, and increase your confidence and credibility.

6 Model leadership behaviors

A sixth way to develop leadership skills as a new teacher is to model leadership behaviors in your daily interactions with your students, colleagues, and stakeholders. Leadership behaviors include communicating effectively, collaborating respectfully, solving problems creatively, and acting ethically. By modeling leadership behaviors, you can inspire others, build trust and rapport, and create a positive culture and climate in your classroom and school. You can also set an example for your students and prepare them for future leadership roles.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?