Teacher Leadership Roles and Teacher Collaboration: Evidence From Green Hills Public Schools Pay-for-Performance System

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite the growing appeal of teacher leadership and teacher collaboration, we know little about the relationship between teacher leadership roles and collaboration. In this study, we use surveys (n = 523) and interviews (n = 47) of teachers to examine whether teacher leadership roles were associated with collaboration. We find that collaboration was an incentive to pursue a teacher leadership role and teacher leaders perceived their role improved and increased collaboration with peers. Teacher leaders’ perceptions varied significantly by role type, school level, and school effectiveness. These findings offer promising evidence for school leaders interested in using teacher leadership to spur collaboration among teachers.