New Podcast Out Now: The Link Between Teacher Leaders and Effective Principals

Principals need support to successfully lead their schools, and teacher leaders are a key factor in providing that support. NIET’s CEO Dr. Joshua Barnett explains how in a discussion spotlighting the connection between teacher leadership and principal capacity on the Transformative Principal podcast with host Jethro Jones. 

The Transformative Principal podcast holds discussions with school and educational leaders about best practices to guide teams and reach success. Barnett’s episode covers the integral qualities and role of teacher leaders, and how they help principals address needs in schools such as teacher retention and turnover. The episode also highlights the importance of getting it right as leaders, rather than being right, and explains why localized solutions are often the most effective. 

“Teacher leaders provide critical support to principals and school leaders in a variety of ways, one of which is by creating localized solutions and strategies. For example, I might learn a strategy at a conference, or be introduced to a new curriculum through a state department, but how does it apply to my school or district?” Dr. Barnett said. “That's where teacher leaders are critical. They help translate strategies to work effectively in our classrooms - which is a vital tool for principals and in elevating opportunities for every student.”

In the one-hour discussion, Barnett and Jones dive into the tools and strategies in Barnett’s latest book, Unleashing Teacher Leadership: A Toolkit for Ensuring Effective Instruction in Every Classroom, and other topics including:

• Why is it important to offer teachers leadership roles? 
• How do we help teachers continue to be lead learners in their classrooms?
• How can we build pathways to attract and retain teachers in the profession? 
• What is one thing a principal can do to build their capacity as a transformative leader? 
• How are the infrastructures of principal and teacher leadership intertwined?

Listeners can find episodes of Transformative Principal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Overcast, and more.