Overview

The Teacher Leader Development – Literature Review was published by the School Leadership Institute (SLI) in February 2025. It emphasises the significance of nurturing teacher leaders and their contribution to the profession. This scoping review of teacher leadership literature builds upon and expands the narrative review conducted by the SLI in 2020.

The review was carried out in support of the Teacher Leader Development Program (TLDP). The TLDP is a course of professional learning focused on the identification and development of teacher leaders and their mentors. It aims to enhance leadership impact and support those aspiring to formal leadership positions. DoE staff can learn more about the TLDP at the Teacher Leader Development Program intranet page.

The review highlights:

• key insights from research on teacher leadership

• major themes regarding how the development of teacher leaders is essential for strengthening and empowering teachers, schools, and the education system

• implications for individual teachers, schools, and the system of fostering the development of teacher leaders.

Methodology

As this paper is a scoping review of the teacher leadership literature intended to complement and expand a narrative review undertaken by the SLI in 2020, a study of literature from 2019-2024 was carried out by the research team. The team identified and reviewed published literature on teacher leadership, building upon the key themes in the earlier review about the evolution and impact of teacher leadership.

Who are teacher leaders?

Teacher leaders are skilled educators who impact on student learning and wellbeing beyond their classrooms, providing guidance to colleagues and shaping the school community. They play a vital role in creating a positive educational environment and enhancing both their own and others’ professional learning, which in turn supports student success.

Teacher leaders do not usually have a formal title, but their actions demonstrate leadership skills and influence. Research highlights the importance of teacher leadership in improving teaching practices and student outcomes.

Why teacher leaders should be supported

The review identifies 3 main themes about the importance of teacher leader development and the value of teacher leaders to the profession, schools, and the system.

1. Giving teachers a voice, recognition for their contributions, and opportunities to lead enhances job satisfaction, supports career renewal, and builds their capacity to drive school improvement.
2. The development of teacher leadership, supported by effective school leaders, strengthens the whole school through enabling professional development, collaboration, and a strong feedback culture.
3. Supporting leadership development for teachers at all career stages, with an equity focus, creates a diverse pool of motivated, capable teacher leaders, and increases the capacity of the system, to drive positive impacts on student outcomes.

How can teacher leaders be supported?

The review confirmed that teacher leaders can be supported by tailored development opportunities that offer ongoing learning and feedback. Many teacher leaders will move into formal school leadership positions as they progress in their career and the right development opportunities will help this progression.

The TLDP is an important professional learning opportunity in identifying and supporting teachers with the capability to take on leadership roles. It features:

• an evidence-informed process of teacher leader identification

• a guided pathway for the development of teacher leaders and their mentors through professional learning and feedback

• best practice mentoring guidelines.

Further reading

Visit the SLI's Leadership Resources pages (available to staff only) to find out more about the leadership development programs we offer for current and aspiring leaders in NSW public schools.