From the publisher
Administrators aren't the only education professionals who can take on leadership roles. Every teacher can be a leader--and this book shows special educators how to choose and navigate their own individual path to educational leadership.
Author Belva Collins, a seasoned educator herself, knows that many special education teachers are called on as "leaders by default" when colleagues turn to them for expertise. In this empowering professional development resource, she shows special educators how to
pursue more intentional leadership roles so they can maximize their impact in preK-12 schools. Preservice and in-service teachers will discover
eight different paths they can follow to become leaders:
- Making data-based decisions and conducting classroom research
- Effecting schoolwide change
- Mentoring other teachers and paraprofessionals
- Conducting professional development and consultations
- Working effectively with families
- Supporting students during transitions
- Advocating for students
- Connecting with professional organizations that address disability-related concerns
For each path to leadership, teachers will get detailed guidelines for success, grounded in up-to-date research and the author's deep understanding of the everyday challenges educators face. Throughout the book, "Voice of a Leader" interview excerpts share nuggets of practical wisdom and show how real teachers evolved and triumphed on diverse paths to leadership.
Based on the successful teacher leadership course Dr. Collins developed at the University of Kentucky, this forward-thinking book will prepare special educators to make a powerful difference in schools, communities, and the lives of their students.
PRACTICAL MATERIALS: Chapters include learning objectives, definitions of key terms, thought-provoking reflection questions, interview excerpts, and follow-up activities to help teachers delve deeper into each leadership path. Full transcripts of interviews with eight teacher leaders are available online.
About the author
Belva C. Collins, Ed.D., is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Special Education and Child Development at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is former Professor and Chair of the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Kentucky. She began her career as a rural special education teacher in 1974 and became a professor in higher education in 1990. Dr. Collins was the 2017 recipient of the Eagle Award for outstanding service and leadership in special education from the American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES). She is also a former Chair of ACRES and currently serves as an Associate Editor of its journal, Rural Special Education Quarterly. Dr. Collins's research interests include systematic instruction for students with moderate and severe disabilities, special education personnel preparation and teacher leadership, and inclusion of people with disabilities in their faith communities.
