InTASC Standard #10: Leadership and Collaboration

Teachers are leaders in the classroom, but they should also strive to be leaders outside of
the classroom in ways that encourage learner growth. The leadership and collaboration standard
demands that teachers not only be responsible for their role in the classroom, but also encourage
collaboration between learners, parents, colleagues, administration, and the community.
Through taking leadership roles outside of the classroom and advocating for learners, teachers
can find allies throughout the community to support student growth and provide unique
opportunities for learning. Working with other school professionals allows teachers to better
understand the needs of the diverse student body, and working with students and their families,
teachers can establish mutual expectations and create an open line of communication. InTASC
Standard #10 is focused on the importance of communication, not just of the material a teacher is
teaching, but between teachers and the rest of the school and community.
In the English classroom teachers can seek leadership in ways that supplement student
learning through afterschool activities. Leading after school clubs such as Literary Magazines or
the Speech and Debate Team are opportunities for teachers to work as leaders in more relaxed
environments than the classroom. English teachers can also form collaborative partnerships with
local publishing companies to get student work published in the community.
The leadership and collaboration standard helps students by creating more opportunities
for them in the community and in their academics. If a community collaborates closely with the
teachers from a local school, the students will benefit through an array of unique, authentic
learning opportunities including field trips and internships.