POMPERAUG REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 15

Serving the Communities of Middlebury and Southbury, Connecticut

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TO:           All Region 15 Staff

FROM:      Dr. Lois Lanning, Assistant Superintendent

(203) 758-8259 extension 114

DATE:       December 20, 2007

Assistant Superintendent’s Newsletter – December 2007

“Teacher Leaders don’t gain their authority through an assigned role or position;

rather, they earn it through their work with both their students and their colleagues…

Precisely because of its informal and voluntary nature, teacher leadership represents the highest level of professionalism.”

Charlotte Danielson, Teacher Leadership That Strengthens Professional Practice.  2006 ASCD

This newsletter is dedicated to all the teacher leaders in Region 15.  We have a significant number of these
”quiet” leaders who, on a day-to-day basis, help bring clarity and continuous improvement to teaching and learning. For example, there are now over 40 district Instructional Teacher Leaders (ITLs) who spearhead ongoing work with curriculum and instruction! 

Recently, the ITLs and I participated in a full day workshop on the power of teacher leadership.  This was our first experience coming together as a full team.  I felt overcome with a mixture of pride and inspiration looking at everyone gathered in one space.  These informal leaders are the people I frequently turn to for guidance and insight.  Although I work regularly with the ITLs in small teams,  seeing the united group caused me to take in how much we have grown over the years and how far we have come from combined dedication and effort. 

In addition to the ITLs, countless other staff members also assume school and district level responsibilities that extend beyond their own students. Mentors, cooperating teachers, professional development council members, Master Mentors, and other program coordinators are just some of the roles.  Teacher leadership is such a vital part of the Region 15 culture that when our district strategic plan was designed five years ago, a specific strategy was dedicated to the cause of continuing to cultivate opportunities that will advance professional growth and job satisfaction.   

As we dig deeper into this strategy, we need to hear your thoughts on how a district structure for meaningful teacher leadership can be advanced further.  In January, you will receive a survey via email from your building principal.  Your comments will be valuable as we plan our next steps.

I couldn’t agree more with Charlotte Danielson when she says, “…teacher leadership represents the highest level of professionalism.”  I cannot imagine doing my job without the collective wisdom.

All joy to you this holiday season, and delight in your time with family and friends!  Lois Lanning

Books to consider during December break:

Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert

A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini

Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance, by Atul Gawande

Lincoln’s Sword:  The Presidency and the Power of Words, by Douglas Wilson

 Region 15 Curriculum:  Please don’t forget to check in with your building instructional leaders and/or principal about all that is happening with curriculum!  Also, feel free to contact me at llanning@region15.org.

2007 – 08 Math Curriculum Team 

2007 – 08 Science Curriculum Team

2007 – 08 Social Studies Curriculum Team

2007 – 08 Language Arts Curriculum Team

 2007-08 World Language Curriculum Team

 2007-08 Library-Media Curriculum Team