December 14, 2020
Augustine-Shaw and Lane publish article in journal with vast education audience
Two faculty members in the College of Education published a journal article elucidating the connection between developing teacher leadership capacity and teacher retention.
"Teachers Find Their Voice: Academy Boosts Teachers' Confidence, Capacity and Leadership Skills" was co-authored by Donna Augustine-Shaw, associate professor of educational leadership, and Jessica Lane, assistant professor of special education, counseling and student affairs. The article appeared in this month's issue of the Learning Forward Journal, and the theme was "Building the Pipeline."
"This article presented a wonderful opportunity to highlight K-State's leadership academy model and the impact of building teacher leadership and capacity for formal leadership," Augustine-Shaw said. "We are honored to be published in Learning Forward because of its mission and reach in the field of education."
The researchers' collaboration can be traced back several years when they discovered a shared passion for supporting leadership and school counselors, and Lane was subsequently invited to speak to the graduate classes.
Lane's presentations focused on broadening the educators' understanding of how counselors and principals could enhance teamwork and improve results, and she provided strategies that respected each individual's skills and responsibilities within their school roles.
"The leadership academy serves as a tremendous model for continued learning, growth and support for current and aspiring teacher leaders," Lane said. "The collective investment in these emerging leaders, both from the partnering school district and Kansas State University, is a unique and intentional approach that truly embodies 'Building the Pipeline' of strong teacher leaders within our schools and communities. I am honored to be connected to such an innovative and impactful program that develops and strongly supports educational leaders."
The educational leadership department has offered master's-level leadership academies for more than 20 years. Faculty members are currently leading academies in seven partner school districts across Kansas and one tribal nation in Oklahoma.