Abstract

Professional development for practicing teachers takes many forms. This study examines teachers' perceptions of their leadership development as participants in a The Teacher Leader Institute Model of professional development. The Institute is a model which is on-going, discipline centered, and focuses on changes in curricular approach and implementation of new standards. It facilitates change in practice, incorporates the group process skills of problem solving/thinking, communication, leadership, and management, allows for follow-up training, and provides leadership development for the teachers. Five profiles of teachers' self development emerged that illustrate the integrated process of leadership development as self-development. Participants established goals to train other teachers, participate in mentoring and networking, and incorporate new curricular approaches within their classrooms.