Teacher Leadership: The Needs of Teachers

Abstract

The study reported in this article described teachers leaders' views of their roles. In order to explore teacher leaders views, the primary research question was: How do teacher leaders perceive themselves and others as they work in their teacher leadership roles? Using the constant comparative research methodology, the researchers collected interview data from five teacher leaders. When the study results were connected to need disposition theory and the literature in the field, new information on teacher leadership issues emerged. The most important finding was that teacher leaders' simultaneous needs for achievement and affiliation create a conflict in the school workplace that has negative outcomes. Additional findings identified and discussed were: Job satisfaction promotes teacher leadership; a collaborative role is important for teacher leaders as collaboration is the primary method for teacher leadership; and resources are needed to support teacher leadership, especially time. The authors close by suggesting specific areas for further research that will provide additional information for enhancing the development of teacher leadership.