Traditionally, teacher leadership has been limited by school administrators. But the field has grown to encompass more than just the classroom. Teacher leaders are engaging in a variety of activities, from leading innovation to advocating for their schools.

Some studies even suggest that there is a link between leadership and student performance. For example, one study found that teacher leaders are most closely associated with facilitating improvements in curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Another reported a statistically significant relationship between student achievement and improving outreach to families. In the real world, it’s important to know which actions to take to make your school a better place for your students and families.

One such example is the RiSE Center at the University of Maine, which has been enhancing science instruction in Maine’s schools. Designed for teachers, the program includes an online course and on-site support. The program is also designed to motivate volunteers and raise money for special supplies.

Another example is a school community outreach coordinator, who organizes events to connect students and families with local resources. These may include fundraisers and scholarship opportunities. It’s also possible to lead the transformation of your local school or community.

The best way to promote teacher leadership is to provide teachers with the tools to make the most of their skills and expertise. This means creating a clear picture of what the role of leadership will look like. You can do this by establishing a set of standards. Among these are improving communication, using technology, improving curriculum, and fostering a collaborative culture.

While the aforementioned can be achieved by any educator, the real secret to success is a commitment to helping others. Teachers must place non-judgmental value on the assistance they offer and feel a part of the larger picture. As a result, they are more likely to take on leadership roles.

Of course, not everyone can be a leader. However, teachers who have a clear idea of what they want to accomplish are more likely to succeed. Fortunately, there are many programs available to help. They can be structured as a blended learning experience with an online course and on-site support, or a fully online course with individualized feedback.

A study by MetLife 2013 Inc. surveyed more than 1,000 educators in the U.S., and found that 93 percent of students said that they feel safe at their schools. This number echoes the Carnegie Forum’s (1987) aforementioned report. Educators are also more engaged in their profession, with a majority of teachers in their school having participated in a professional association.

Lastly, the biggest and best news is that more than half of K-12 public school teachers are currently occupying some form of leadership role in their schools. This is a major change from past years. Historically, teacher leadership has been limited by school administrators, but more school districts are moving in this direction. By rethinking traditional roles, districts can create a more dynamic environment for teachers.

It is important for educators to utilize quality teaching resources for their lessons. Not only can these resources help improve the overall learning environment in the classroom, but they can also help build professional networks. These resources also have the potential to improve education advocacy.

The educational profession has given rise to thousands of teaching resources, which are a vital resource for both students and teachers. Resources for learning include classroom materials, books, journals, videos, tests, online programs, and more. Although some are free, others are paid, and a few are aimed at specific groups. Educators should be aware of the differences and be able to identify the most useful ones for their students.

The use of teaching resources helps teachers create high quality lessons that are engaging and challenging. When using these resources, teachers need to determine if the material is valid, reliable, and appropriate. In addition, instructors need to determine which skills and attitudes are important to their students’ success. They should also find ways to make these resources more effective and interactive.

A variety of organizations provide information on how to select the best teaching resources. For example, the National Council for Teacher Quality (NCTE) provides guidance for teachers and schools. Also, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) provides information and resources for educators. There are also many nonprofit organizations that focus on education improvement.

Another example is the Institute for Study of Knowledge Management in Education (ISKME). This nonprofit research institute aims to promote open education and provides information about free and low cost resources. Other organizations that offer free resources include the Open Educational Resource Project funded by the UK Higher Education Academy and JISC.

Other nonprofit organizations offer free information for families and communities. These resources include social and emotional learning, prevention programs, and resources for educators and leaders.

There are also numerous corporate sponsored programs that focus on teacher development. Many of these programs are focused on preparing new and experienced teachers for the job market. If you are planning to become a teacher, consider taking an on-site course or attending one of the organization’s webinars.

One of the best ways to find the best resources is to use a resource librarian. A resource librarian can save you hours of work. He or she can train you on search strategies and help you avoid wasting time on valueless information. Whether you are a school or a university, a resource librarian can serve as your best ally.

The OER Commons is a community of educators who collaborate to share, discover, and evaluate open educational resources. Their mission is to “promote the development of OER through the creation and sharing of free, high-quality resources and tools.” By contributing to the OER Commons, educators can learn how to use their resources effectively and repurpose them.

Finally, the OER4Schools project focuses on the use of Open Educational Resources in teacher training in sub-Saharan Africa. It is supported by JISC and the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC).

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) offers technical assistance to teachers, students, and school administrators. OESE also works with other partners, such as state and local educational agencies, to ensure that teachers have access to the information and training they need.

In this day and age, parents and educators are facing a new set of challenges when it comes to supporting student achievement. From keeping kids in school and helping them to succeed academically, to maintaining positive relationships with teachers and administrators, to providing a healthy dose of levity, parents and educators need to step up their game. A little extra effort can make a big difference in the long run.

One of the most important aspects of supporting students is to understand their learning needs. Having a plan in place is key to ensuring a successful and productive learning experience for every student. This means that both teachers and parents should have an open and honest dialogue to identify and address issues before they become full-blown crises.

The best way to start is by establishing a parent-teacher partnership. This will allow both parties to work together in improving student outcomes. Parents should also be involved in the decision-making process, allowing them to advocate for their children and voice their concerns to the appropriate parties. If necessary, parents should be given the opportunity to volunteer as classroom helpers, in an effort to make the most of their time during the school day.

For educators, a parent-teacher collaboration is also a win-win. When both parties are on the same page, schools can better manage their resources and improve the quality of education. To this end, many school districts are beginning to implement policies to give parents a bit of respite during their working hours.

As a bonus, these initiatives are also good for kids. Aside from enabling teachers and parents to communicate and collaborate with one another, these activities can help families get to know one another. It’s also a great way for kids to socialize and feel like they are part of a community.

On a related note, the best way to encourage a student to keep up with his or her studies is to provide the appropriate materials and a study space at home. Creating a learning environment at home will go a long way in boosting a student’s productivity and achieving his or her full potential.

Parents should also do their part by establishing an effective routine. Setting a bedtime, getting a healthy meal in before heading to school, and monitoring the amount of television a child watches at night are all good ways to get a student on the right track. These simple steps will pay off in the long run.

For example, a teacher might be surprised to learn that a well-informed parent can show up in the right time frame to help a student master the basics of a new math subject. Teachers can also alert parents if they see a problem that may affect their child’s ability to succeed in a given lesson. Likewise, a good teacher will do the same for students who are experiencing difficulties, such as those with a learning disability.

There are a number of other ways to assist teachers in their efforts to improve student achievements, from providing students with a variety of reading material, to encouraging students to do their homework and promoting an appropriate level of parental involvement.