Teacher Leadership Program
Teacher Leadership and Professional Learning
Building Leadership Through Collaboration and Expertise
The Ottumwa Community School District believes that improving outcomes for students requires strong instructional leadership at every level of the organization. Our Teacher Leadership and Professional Learning framework is designed to build leadership capacity, strengthen instruction, and provide ongoing support for staff so that every student experiences high-quality learning opportunities every day.
Rather than relying solely on administrators to lead school improvement efforts, Ottumwa Schools distributes leadership across the district through a collaborative system of teacher leaders who work alongside staff to strengthen instruction, support student success, and foster continuous improvement. These leadership opportunities create pathways for educators to grow professionally while ensuring schools have embedded support systems aligned to district priorities.
Our leadership framework is grounded in collaboration, instructional excellence, professional learning, and a commitment to meeting the needs of all learners through strong systems of support.
Our Teacher Leadership Structure
Teacher leaders work across buildings and departments to provide job-embedded support, coaching, mentoring, and collaborative leadership. These roles work together to strengthen instructional practices, support staff growth, and improve student outcomes.
School Improvement Leaders (Fully Released Positions- none currently)
School Improvement Leaders (SILs) provide leadership in curriculum implementation, instructional practices, inclusive systems, and multi-tiered systems of support. These leaders collaborate closely with principals, directors, coaches, and teachers to strengthen both academic and behavioral systems.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting implementation of curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices
- Strengthening inclusive practices and multi-tiered systems of support
- Facilitating professional learning and coaching staff
- Supporting behavior systems, intervention planning, and data analysis
- Participating in district and building leadership teams
- Collaborating with mentors and supporting staff new to specialized roles
School Improvement Leaders serve extended contracts and participate in district-wide leadership and improvement efforts.
Behavior Strategists (Fully Released Positions)
Behavior Strategists support schools in building proactive systems for behavior, student support, and classroom management. Their work focuses on building staff capacity and strengthening school-wide systems that support student success.
Key responsibilities include:
- Facilitating coaching cycles focused on behavior and classroom supports
- Supporting social skill development and conflict resolution
- Assisting with tiered behavior intervention systems
- Supporting staff professional learning around behavior and engagement
- Using data to strengthen school-wide systems and interventions
- Partnering with families, staff, and community members to support students
Behavior Strategists work collaboratively with leadership teams to create safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.
Program Coordinators (Stipend Positions)
Program Coordinators provide content-area leadership and facilitate collaboration within departments and specialty areas across the district.
Responsibilities include:
- Facilitating professional learning and collaborative team meetings
- Supporting implementation of district initiatives and curriculum priorities
- Managing curriculum resources and technical systems
- Collaborating with administrators and directors to strengthen instruction
- Supporting communication and coordination across departments
Current program coordinator areas include:
- Literacy (PK–12)
- Mathematics (PK–2)
- Science (PK–12)
- Social Studies (PK–12)
- Library/Technology Integration (K–12)
- Performing Arts
- Visual Arts
- Physical Education
- Nursing
- English Learners
- World Languages
Mentors (Stipend Positions)
Mentors support first- and second-year educators as they transition into teaching and develop their professional practice.
Mentors provide:
- Job-embedded coaching and support
- Goal setting and reflection opportunities
- Modeling and collaborative problem-solving
- Connections to district systems and resources
- Support aligned to district initiatives and instructional expectations
Our mentoring program is designed to strengthen teacher retention, build confidence, and support new staff as they grow into their roles.
Building Leadership Teams (BLTs)
Building Leadership Teams serve as the primary leadership structure within each school. BLT members work collaboratively with staff and administrators to guide school improvement efforts and strengthen school culture.
Responsibilities include:
- Supporting implementation of school improvement plans
- Facilitating communication between staff and leadership teams
- Building consensus around initiatives and priorities
- Supporting professional learning and collaboration
- Using stakeholder feedback to inform decision-making
- Strengthening collaborative cultures within schools
BLT members play a critical role in ensuring school improvement efforts remain focused, collaborative, and responsive to student and staff needs.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The Ottumwa Community School District is committed to developing leaders at every level of the organization. Through coaching, mentoring, collaboration, and distributed leadership, our teacher leadership framework creates sustainable systems that strengthen instruction, improve outcomes for students, and build a culture of continuous learning across the district