Self-Assessment of Teacher Leader Qualities

Adapted from https://www.accomplishedteacher.org/

Directions:
● Save this file as LastFirstName_TLQInitial.docx (KnowlesBeyonce_TLQInitial.docx)

● For each element, rate yourself in one of the following three categories (E/A/I). Be honest.
This is an opportunity to document growth
● Mark each box with an X

● Provide examples of your experiences in the leadership domain

● Identify areas within each domain where you are interested in growing as a teacher leader.

● Summarize your strengths and areas of possible growth.

● Boxes will expand as needed.

Exploring/Emerging (E) - a level of practice in which the teacher leader relies on ongoing
assistance from more experienced colleagues for support, guidance, and survival. The
teacher leader is moving toward becoming more self-directed and independent in her/his
practice.

Applying (A) - a level of practice in which the teacher leader is able to provide
independent leadership and easily applies what s/he has learned about leadership.

Integrating/Innovating (I) - a level of development in which the teacher leader is fully

skilled and confident. The Integrating/Innovating teacher leader contributing to the
broader educational community through staff development, research, or publication in
professional journals
Proposition 1: Teachers are committed to students and learning. E A I
Accomplished Teachers:
1. Recognize Individual Differences in Their Students and Adjust Their X
Practice Accordingly
2. Understand How Students Develop and Learn X
3. Treat Students Equitably X
4. Know Their Mission Transcends the Cognitive Development of Their X
Students
Three examples of experience (i.e., if you Area of interest for growth
scored A or I, give examples)
One area of experience from this proposition One area of growth will be finding new ways
would be providing different ways students to ensure all students can learn the content.
can achieve assessments (providing an essay While the vast majority understand the
with sentence frames rather than the blank content with my current teaching methods, a
document a general student would get). few (such as students who are dominant in
Another area would be making sure all another language) do not have that same
students get treated the same. Students can outcome.
recognize that teachers have favorites who
can get away with things others can’t or that
a teacher may always shine the light on a
non-positive way when others do the same
thing. As I treat each student no greater or
less than each other, I know this applies in
any class.
One final example would be recognizing the
content students learn in my class isn’t the
end mission. When I plan curriculum, I focus
on what skills students will need to learn and
apply, and how those skills build on each
other as the school year progresses.
Proposition 2: Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach E A I
those subjects to students.
Accomplished Teachers:
1. Command Specialized Knowledge of How to Convey a Subject to Students X
2. Generate Multiple Paths to Knowledge X
Three examples of experience (i.e., if you Area of interest for growth
scored A or I, give examples)
One area of growth would be cultivating
more independent research of historical
One experience from this proposition can be topics. As my students are 6th graders, this
found in my writing assignments called is not a main priority, but is a skill that will
CERERs. Students have many ways to be needed as they develop.
explain their ideas, and can earn the best Another area would be creating
grade with the right justification. differentiated paths to demonstrate the
Another way I generate multiple paths of knowledge. In my writing assignments
knowledge is by implementing Think Pair- called CERERs, students have many ways to
Shares, where students validate each explain their ideas, but a few students may
others’ ideas with a partner and the class. face barriers with writing. Finding a suitable
Finally, another example would be having a alternative would help this subset.
set routine with analyzing documents called
C.A.T.C.H. By using this routine, students are
aware of what to look for in a reading and
recognizing the important aspects.
Proposition 3: Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring E A I
student learning.
Accomplished Teachers:
 1. Call on Multiple Methods to Meet Their Instructional Goals X
2. Support Student Learning in Varied Settings and Groups X
3. Value Student Engagement X
4. Regularly Assess Student Progress X
5. Engage Students in the Learning Process X
Three examples of experience Area of interest for growth
(i.e., if you scored A or I, give examples)
One experience from this proposition can be One area of growth would be in assessments.
in supporting students, as I provide scaffolds I have 7 units for the school year, and
such as sentence starters that all students assessments 2-6 are essays. While this is a
have access to. Another experience will be great way to improve the writing and critical
supporting students in varied settings, as I thinking skills of my scholars, a small subset
strategically pair students in heterogeneous do face barriers with writing. Finding a new
groups. I also make sure our students who method to complete the assessment may be
are EL or classified with an IEP have a strong beneficial. Another area of growth would be
partner whenever possible, which brings in engaging students. While students are
different ideas and viewpoints with each productive and showing mastery, finding how
assignment. Finally, I assess students on a to make this content more meaningful is still
routine basis with essays, with 6 done a work in progress for me.
throughout the school year.
Proposition 4: Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn E A I
from experience.
Accomplished Teachers:
1. Make Difficult Choices That Test Their Professional Judgment X
2. Use Feedback and Research to Improve Their Practice and Positively X
Impact Student Learning
Three examples of experience Area of interest for growth
(i.e., if you scored A or I, give examples)
One example is deciding to have students An area of growth would be making difficult
create their own writing assignment as a choices to test my judgment. I have teaching
difficult choice. I didn’t know how it would strategies I have tried and tested, so I don’t
work, but students had a good foundation for really incorporate many new ideas in my
this. teaching. However, new ideas can help some
Another example would be comparing the of my students in ways I am not aware of, so I
previous years’ essay results with those from have to start thinking of the choices I have
this school year. I can track what is still for my teaching, no matter how difficult it
effective and what adjustments I need to may seem.
make for this school year.
A final example will be another difficult
choice I made with what documents I have
students read in each unit. As the average
English level is between 2-3rd grade, this
presented a challenge finding suitable
readings that won’t be too rigorous. I pared
some down and then made my choice, with
almost all being able to be understood so far.

Proposition 4: Teachers are members of learning communities E A I

Accomplished Teachers:
1. Collaborate with Other Professionals to Improve School Effectiveness X
2. Work Collaboratively with Families X
3. Work Collaboratively with the Community X
Three examples of experience Area of interest for growth
(i.e., if you scored A or I, give examples)
One example to collaborate with others to An area of growth would be working with the
improve our effectiveness would be helping a community. This is an area that I have not
teacher in our department with planning a put much thought into, as I focus on the
weeks-long project for his students. We are immediate needs of my scholars and their
still helping him, but were helping him fine families. By finding possible partners in the
tune his scope and sequence for this project. community, I could help bring in more
Another example would be hosting my own diverse points for my scholars to consider in
parent conferences that had the explicit goal real-world aspirations.
of having students choose what goals they
would want to set for themselves in the 2nd
half of the school year.
Finally, I have invited parents to special
events such as a debate to see the strengths
their child has developed this school year.
Summary of Strengths and areas for growth

Overall, things like constant assessments of my students, treating them in an equal way and
providing students with different possibilities in their main writing assignments are some of
my strengths as an educator. Some areas of growth include connecting with the community
my scholars come from, finding more collaboration with those outside of my department and
grade level, and connecting the instructional material in a way that students can feel more
connected to the content they are learning.