Programs
Program Description

The Teachers Leadership Institute is designed to help seasoned teachers make a broader impact on education by: developing as professionals through analyzing their professional practice; assuming larger leadership roles in their schools and the broader education community; providing a platform they can use to join the education policy conversation; and restoring their enthusiasm for their profession.

Teachers are on the front lines working with students every day; teachers know how to improve student achievement. The Teachers Leadership Institute (TLI) was formed to close the gap between those who make education policy and teachers who are charged with implementing those policies—ensuring a quality education for every child. TLI Fellows are teachers who work to connect with policymakers to inform and influence education policy based on the realities of the classroom.

What are the components?

RESEARCH

data-driven action research on classroom/school-based teaching practice, grounded in current research in field, with implications for policy identified

 

 

 

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EDUCATION

skill-building about the policymaking process and how to effectively engage policymakers

 

 

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INTERACTION

between teachers and policymakers at different levels (school, district, state, etc.), as well as other community stakeholders, to contribute to and advocate in the broader conversations that influence critical decisions about public education

For the 2008-2009 academic year, there will be TWO Teachers Leadership Institute tracks:

  • Research Fellows - first-time program participants and interested returning program participants will focus on the action research process and implications for policy change.
  • Policy Fellows - returning TLI Fellows will work collectively and with the support of the Ed Fund to advocate for a particular policy issue. The policy issues for this year will include, identifying and addressing the workplace conditions that result in a maldistribution of experienced teachers in the district’s low performing schools.

Teachers Leadership Institute Fellows:

  • Participate in small professional learning community focused on equity and teacher leadership
  • Learn about the policymaking process in education and how to promote the teacher voice
  • Engage in conversations with education policymakers
  • Conduct action research on their classroom practice or their school site and publish finding and recommnedations
  • Become members of an influential and supportive national network of teacher leaders
  • Receive $1000 honorarium and have the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Units from SFSU

The Commitment:

  • Participate in regular meetings every second Wednesday of the month, 4:30 - 8:00 p.m., September - June
  • Participate in apporximately 4-5 additional meetings, conferences, or events during the year
  • Attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled meetings and events
  • Conduct action research in your own classroom or school site
  • Complete an action reasearch paper and submit a corresponding opinion-editorial for publication
  • Share aspects of your practice and receive feedback in a safe, supportive environment
  • Explore personal experiences in relations to equity, in order to further equity in teaching and learning
  • Get educated and take action around policy issues

Who can participate and how do I apply?

The program is open to tenured SF pre-K-12 public school teachers who are emerging leaders in their community. The Research Fellow application process consists of a brief written application and an interview.

 

“I’m grateful to the SF Ed Fund for organizing this institute that recognizes that teachers’ voices are missing in educational policy and empowers teachers to have our voices heard.” TLI Fellow Claudia Haas, San Francisco.

Teachers Network Leadership Institute is just such a great way of empowering classroom teachers and teacher leaders!" TLI Fellow Katherine Pope, Charlotte (NC).

"When I am included in professional development decisions as in the LI model, I am more accountable, more supported, and more invested in my own learning; as a result, my students learn more." TLI Fellow Lamson Lam, New York City.

 

The Teachers Leadership Institute is the San Francisco affiliate of the Teachers Network Leadership Institute

 

For more information, contact Program Manager Jeff Issenberg at 415.912.2929 x236 or jeff@sfedfund.org