Teacher leader networks: Opportunities to lead SBCway priorities
Rationale: As part of our new ‘Leadership Academy’, we recognise the need to provide strategic leadership opportunities for our classroom teachers. Teacher leaders will also provide additional capacity within the ‘Team Around the Cluster’ model, offering schools within each cluster access to expert support and advice about key #SBCway improvement priorities. These teacher leader roles provide a unique opportunity for experienced practitioners to lead, with support, out-with their own classroom and school.
SBCway-linked roles
For the priority areas listed below, teacher leaders will:
✓ Be classed-based but the school’s lead practitioner for ongoing specific priority developments.
✓ Remain up-to-date with SBCway developments.
✓ Attend regular (max. half-termly) twilight webinars.
✓ Support with ongoing evaluation of improvement developments.
✓ Join and engage with relevant SchoolHouse channel.
✓ Promote key messages to wider staff team, liaising with HTs.
✓ Support school / cluster improvement activity as directed by HTs.
✓ Commit 10hrs of individual CPD time to the role
SBCway priorities
To ensure key priorities receive proportionate teacher leader attention, the following opportunities have been allocated according to school size.
Commitment: Teacher leaders, by definition, are classroom based. They will commit 10 hours of their individual CLPL time to this development opportunity. School leaders may choose to provide additional time if appropriate. Additional CLPL sessions may be offered over the school year.
Middle leaders: In most secondary schools and some primary schools, these teacher leader roles will already sit within the remit of existing PTs or other middle leader roles. As such, there is no requirement to appoint additional individuals into these roles unless there is an appropriate rationale to do so.
Recruitment process: The opportunity to be a Teacher leader should be offered to all teachers. Headteachers should discuss these opportunities with staff. If necessary, informal interviews can be conducted to select the most suitable candidates.
Vacant roles: If a school/group of schools is unable to appoint teacher leaders, Headteachers will be the designated point of contact for improvement activity. But Headteachers will not be required to fulfil the expectations of the teacher leader role
Confirmation of appointed staff, along with contact email addresses and base school should be sent to CLPL@scotborders.gov.uk
