When you choose education as your profession, it surely goes beyond books and taking your classes. Instead, there are great roles a teacher could play in the lives of all those who look up to them. To inspire, motivate, and lead by example are a few areas where you could work on to turn the tables around. Most importantly, the impact of good teachers goes beyond the domain of their classes and positively reflects on the lives of their students.
It’s a gift one rooted in purpose, perseverance, and presence. But how can teachers transform this gift into formal leadership roles? More importantly, how can they lead right where they are?
This blog explores how teachers can embrace leadership without leaving their teaching roles, proving that influence isn’t tied to a title but to action.
Redefining Leadership Roles:
Leadership is not only a position where most of the powers are enjoyed. However, it goes beyond the room of the principal’s office. Some of the most potent educational leaders are those who never stop teaching. Dr. Dorsainvil, in his book The Gift You Give, writes about the power of authentic presence, being fully engaged in your environment, using your voice to uplift others, and aligning your actions with a greater mission.
Teachers are always considered role models who lead by example and redefine the positions they enjoy. Managing classrooms, shaping culture, mentoring students. The first step is recognizing that you already are a leader.
Start by Leading from the Classroom:
According to Dr. Dorsainvil, authentic leadership often begins at the grassroots level. Teachers are not only restricted to teaching their lessons but also to taking on roles not defined in their job descriptions.
- Mentoring new educators
Share classroom management strategies, offer emotional support, and be a resource for those just entering the profession. It’s about owning your place and taking the hand of all those new to their roles who require guidance. It’s where you can actively play your part and become a better individual and professional.
- Modeling excellence
By consistently delivering high-quality instruction and building strong relationships with students, you inspire others to raise their standards. It is where you can make a significant impact through simple acts.
- Initiating small innovations
Whether introducing a new tech tool or designing a creative interdisciplinary unit, innovation sparks progress, and people notice.
These may seem like tidbits for all those educators who are paying attention to their job roles. But on the ground level, these are some of the impacts that align with Dr. Dorsainvil’s ideology: “Use your presence to impact your space.”
Step into Informal Leadership Roles:
Among many other areas where you could rise and shine, one key aspect to understand is that you could take on informal roles, which have high levels of opportunities to raise the culture of your workplace and those around you.
- Join or lead a committee on curriculum, school improvement, or diversity and inclusion.
- Present at staff meetings or professional development days—share what’s working in your classroom.
- Coordinate school-wide initiatives like reading challenges, service projects, or wellness campaigns.
Dr. Dorsinvail emphasizes the fact that one should give from where one is. Instead of waiting for a new position and new destination, one could be the one who brings about positivity and change. Moreover, research has concluded that these roles help you build credibility while keeping your feet firmly planted in the classroom.
Cultivate a Leadership Mindset:
Being part of the educational industry, Dr.Dorsainvil rightfully discusses the role of teachers and mentors, where leadership is not a feature that can be added to your profile. Rather, it is an ideology, a mindset that can be cultivated in all teachers.
Dr. Dorsainvil urges educators to recognize their internal power and see challenges as stepping stones to growth. Here’s how you can develop a leadership mindset:
- Reflect regularly: Ask yourself, What impact did I make this week? How can I grow further?
- Be solution-oriented: When issues arise, offer ideas—not complaints.
- Stay curious: Read widely, attend webinars, or join professional networks. Leadership starts with learning.
It’s all about teachers reflecting on their work and asking themselves what they could do on a weekly and monthly basis to achieve the impact that they have been looking for.
Build Relationships that Elevate Others
A core message in The Gift You Give Beyond the Classroom: The Hidden Financial Benefits for Educators is that your legacy is defined by the lives you touch. As a teacher-leader, prioritize relationships. Leadership is often about showing up, whether listening to a colleague, mentoring a student, or supporting a parent.
One of the common myths that you need to break about being leaders in your role is to understand that we work with people, teaching humans, and building trust and respect with each other is essential.
When others see you as someone who uplifts and collaborates, opportunities to lead will follow.
In a world that often overlooks teachers’ daily heroism, Dr. Frantz Dorsainvil‘s The Gift You Give is a powerful reminder that educators are leaders by nature. You don’t have to leave your classroom to lead—you just have to lean into your influence.
