How to gain leadership expertise from the classroom

Q: I’ve been in the classroom for more than five years now and I’d like to dip my toe in the leadership pond. How can I start gaining leadership experience as a classroom teacher without leaving my job?

A: Long before we realize we are leaders, we practice leadership, especially in the classroom. When I worked at a small school, its size and limited staff capacity made it possible for many of us to have our hands in important leadership opportunities, including committee work, hiring, the union, or even professional organizations outside the building. Some of the most powerful leadership in a school comes from teachers who stay close to students while influencing practice, culture, and systems one step at a time. The trick is to think of leadership less as a title and more as expanded impact — on colleagues, on instructional quality, and ultimately on student learning.

Below are practical, low-risk ways to “dip your toe in the leadership pond” while keeping your current job — and keeping your credibility as a practicing classroom teacher.