Leadership in our Schools

 A leader, as defined by Howard Gardner, “is an individual (or, rarely, a set of individuals) who significantly affects the thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviors of a significant number of individuals. Most acknowledged leaders are ‘direct’. They address their public face-to-face” (2003). I found this the quote while working on my personal philosophy of education, and I really like it. Teachers do many of these things because of the nature of their job and I would say are required to be leaders. 
Working in our school system today we have an array of many different teaches, and they all bring to their classroom an assortment of qualities that are hopefully beneficial for their students. I believe leadership is one quality that teachers need to have just to be successful at what they are doing. I really found it insightful how leaders are involved in face-to-face communication, and don't shy away from the opportunity to speak with people. I know in the past that some teachers don't enjoy parent teacher conferences because they must speak with all of the parents, but what a better way to really educate and let the community know what they are doing in class. I think it is great.

References

Gardner, H. (2003). Leading minds: An autonomy of leadership. Retrieved from http://www.newhorizons.org/trans/trans_review_gardner_2.htm