Equity-Focused Teacher Leadership

Abstract

In today’s schools, differences in family income and school funding create stark discrepancies in the educational experiences, opportunities, and outcomes between student “haves” and “have nots.” This chapter describes how equity-focused teacher leaders can use equity audits to positively influence educational policy and practices to reduce socioeconomic disparities in P–12 schools. Beginning with an overview of current research on teacher leadership, leadership for social justice, and equity-focused teacher leadership, the chapter documents the problem of socioeconomic disparities in today’s P–12 schools before detailing the background, purpose, structure, and processes of contemporary equity audits. Four accounts of small-scale equity audits conducted by equity-focused teacher leaders are shared and analyzed in terms of teacher leadership, leadership for social justice, and equity-focused teacher leadership. The chapter closes with strategies for engaging stakeholders in constructive, meaningful discussion and action around equity audit findings on behalf of every student we serve.