Lead Teacher Model
The Lead Teacher Model is a teaching pattern in which a specialized lead teacher takes the initiative and helps a group of teachers in the process of putting to work different teaching methods effectively. This arrangement not only adds to the collaboration and professional growth but also boosts student performance by taking advantage of the lead teacher's skills.
The main duty of a lead teacher is to be a mentor and a facilitator for other teachers in the team. He/She does this by improving their professional skills, providing them with teaching models that work, and accompanying them with the teaching of their subjects. For instance, a lead teacher can organize the exchange of peer observation and feedback sessions for the realization of the abovementioned goals.
The Lead Teacher Model fosters a collaborative atmosphere, among teachers that in turn elevates the quality of teaching. The teachers when they interchange their competencies and methods they become more inventive and apply more appropriate techniques for teaching.Let's assume a lead teacher presents a new technological device. at that time,different teachers can include it into their syllabus, thus, through the technology tool, they will be able to promote the students' participation and learning outcomes.
The Lead Teacher Model has to face some problems such as opposition from staff to changes, lack of time for professional development, and the necessity to make sure that the lead teacher is trained and supported well enough. Moreover, it may be complicated for the lead teacher to carry out both teaching and mentoring functions. Schools may be required to set aside a specific period for collaboration and provide continuous support to lead teachers for effective implementation.
Indeed, the Lead Teacher Model is flexible enough to be used in many different educational contexts such as elementary, middle and high schools, as well as alternative education programs. It can be arranged according to the wishes of both the institutions and the educators. For instance, in a high school environment, a lead teacher can emphasize one course, offering extra help on the teaching technique or forming tests.