By Kathy Niebuhr

Albert Lea Area Schools has a strong tradition for teacher leaders in our schools.

At the high school level, department chairs or department heads have long assisted the principals in decision-making — such as scheduling and curriculum, as well as disseminating information and bringing concerns forward. The positions were eliminated many years back in a budget cut.

Five years ago, Dr. Funk was able to secure funds and asked to bring back these positions to assist in the leadership of Albert Lea High School.

In our elementary buildings, our recent adoptions of both reading and mathematics curricula involved meetings of many teachers to recommend adoption of textbook series. These groups also recommended and committed to substantial professional development to assist teachers in implementation. These curriculum, teams comprised of elementary teachers from all buildings and all grade levels, continue to meet regularly to adjust and address any changes as needed.

They also address professional development that may be needed, and they plan accordingly. Differentiated professional development also occurs through the work of instructional coaches. These coaches can support teachers through discussion, modeled lessons, or observing and giving feedback.

Throughout the district teachers have a voice in staff development (SD) through their building and district-level committees. By statute, each of these committees must have one more teacher than administrator and others when it comes to voting or advising on decisions.

This past week, a group of approximately 10 teacher leaders and two administrators reviewed the processes for district-wide decision-making on staff development.

Teachers currently also engage in many leadership positions through the district’s Alternative Teacher Professional Pay System — also known as  Q-Comp. These positions have existed for 10 years. This program brings staff development dollars and performance pay to our district along with just under $900,000 in state aid. This program supports close to 50 teacher leadership positions and our mentor-mentee program.

Teacher leaders are faced with many situations which call on them to hold their colleagues and co-workers accountable in ways that they may not have experienced before. Difficult or crucial conversations — we hope — will become the norm in our district so that we meet the District 241 mission to “ensure individual academic, social and emotional growth that leads to engaged citizens and lifelong learners.”

Kathy Niebuhr is the director of secondary programs for Albert Lea Area Schools.