A new book, Research in Teacher Leadership in Canada: Transformative and Contextualized Agency, provides fresh perspectives on the role of teachers as leaders in schools and communities. Featuring contributions from leading scholars across the country, this collection examines how teacher leadership is reshaping Canadian education and influencing policy and practice.
Brandon University proudly recognizes the impact of this work, which aligns with the institution's commitment to advancing research that directly benefits educators and students. The book, co-edited by Dr. Cathryn Smith, explores the challenges and opportunities of teacher leadership, emphasizing the power of educators to drive meaningful change from within their classrooms.
"Teacher leadership is about empowering educators to take initiative, collaborate with peers, and shape educational practices in ways that truly benefit students and school communities. This collection brings together research that highlights the many ways teachers are leading innovation in schools across Canada."
Dr. Cathryn Smith
At Brandon University, the Faculty of Education is dedicated to fostering leadership among teachers, ensuring they have the skills and support needed to make a lasting impact. Dr. Alysha Farrell, Dean of Education at Brandon University, emphasized the book's relevance to the university's mission.
"At Brandon University, we recognize that great education starts with great educators. This book affirms the essential role that teachers play in leading change within their schools and communities. By supporting research like this, we are helping to build a stronger, more dynamic education system in Canada."
Dr. Alysha Farrell
The book also highlights the role of organizations like the Canadian Association for Teacher Education (CATE) in supporting research and collaboration among educators. These discussions are critical as schools navigate evolving educational challenges and seek new ways to foster leadership at all levels.
Brandon University is proud to have multiple faculty members contributing to this important collection. In addition to Dr. Cathryn Smith, other BU scholars have provided valuable insights on teacher leadership through their research. Their contributions reflect the university's dedication to educational excellence and the development of strong, research-informed teaching practices.
"Teacher leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept it is deeply shaped by cultural, institutional, and policy contexts. In my chapter, I examine how we can prepare educators to become transformative agents of change, drive meaningful educational reform through their instructional practices, and foster culturally inclusive, student-centered learning environments that empower all learners to thrive."
Dr. Aloysius Anyichie
"In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, restoring trust and fostering healthy relationships among educators has been crucial to rebuilding positive school environments. The chapter I co-authored explores how an early-career vice-principal in a rural French immersion school navigated this challenge through Appreciative Leadership, demonstrating the power of collaboration, reflection, and shared vision in strengthening school communities."
Dr. Jacqueline Kirk
Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice-President (Research and Graduate Studies) at Brandon University, underscored the university's commitment to supporting impactful educational research.
"Brandon University takes pride in fostering research that directly benefits educators and communities. This book is an important contribution to the field, offering valuable insights into how teacher leadership can transform learning environments."
Dr. Bernadette Ardelli
With its focus on transformative leadership and contextualized agency, Research in Teacher Leadership in Canada is a must-read for educators, policymakers, and researchers looking to better understand and support teacher leadership in today's classrooms.
Research in Teacher Leadership in Canada: Transformative and Contextualized Agency can be found here: prism.ucalgary.ca/items/037514bf-a835-4894-bee0-889368ce6c73
A series of interviews regarding this publication will be released over the coming weeks at youtube.com/@BrandonUResearch
