As a spokesperson, I want to empower teachers to be leaders in and out of the classroom. The key to raising achievement for all students is to empower teachers to lead and transform the teaching profession. Every child has the right to an education and the potential to learn. As educators, we have a great responsibility to serve as advocates for the students we serve. All children, regardless of their background, must be taught to believe they can succeed. As a teacher, I serve as the cheerleader for my students. I challenge my students to expand their beliefs in their ability and continue to push them to achieve more. As a teacher in the classroom, it is my mission to convey this message not only to my own students but the public as …show more content…
As a National Board Candidate Support Provider, I mentor teacher candidates of various certification areas across the state focusing on elementary to high school mathematics teachers. I also served as a Kentucky Teacher Internship Program resource teacher for first-year mathematics teachers. Through reflective activities and professional conversations, the mentoring process fosters professional development for both the teachers I work and me. It is important for teachers to rise to leadership positions while remaining in the classroom. Advocacy for expanded leadership roles is based on the understanding that educators, because they have daily contact with students in the classroom, are in the best position to make critical decisions about curriculum and instruction. With their classroom perspective, teachers an advantage that many administrators and policy makers do not possess. Teachers not only have a better understanding of what changes should be implemented but are also able to see these changes at work and make necessary adjustments along the way. Within our educational system, we must make it a priority to invest in efforts that support teachers in leading from the classroom, acknowledging that teachers are the true experts in their field. Moving to expand teacher leadership roles will also assist in attracting and retaining qualified teachers in the