Cultivation of teacher leaders in a high school setting

Abstract

Research abounded regarding teacher leaders; however, less research had been conducted regarding cultivation of teacher leaders. The purpose of this qualitative, bounded, multiple case study was to determine how teacher leaders in a high school setting were cultivated. Cultivation referred to the growth in skills and knowledge of a role, with the role being that of teacher leader. Through purposeful sampling, five teacher leaders were selected to participate in the study. Each teacher was selected based on the definition of a teacher leader and the teacher leader roles he/she has held. Data were collected from interviews and the author's journal entries. Themes that emerged during analysis included Culture of the School, Motivation, Impact on School, and Relationships. Each theme provided insight about cultivation of teacher leaders in a high school. The findings determined next steps to further cultivation of teacher leaders within a high school setting as well as what future research can be conducted on this topic.