Administrators aren't the only education professionals who can take on leadership roles. Every teacher can be a leader—and this book shows special educators how to choose and navigate their own individual path to educational leadership.


Author Belva Collins, a seasoned educator herself, knows that many special education teachers are called on as “leaders by default” when colleagues turn to them for expertise. In this empowering professional development resource, she shows special educators how to pursue more intentional leadership roles so they can maximize their impact in pre-K–12 schools.

Preservice and in-service teachers will discover eight different paths they can follow to become leaders:
Making data-based decisions and conducting classroom research
Effecting schoolwide change
Mentoring other teachers and paraprofessionals
Conducting professional development and consultations
Working effectively with families
Supporting students during transitions
Advocating for students
Connecting with professional organizations that address disability-related concerns

For each path to leadership, teachers will get detailed guidelines for success, grounded in up-to-date research and the author's deep understanding of the everyday challenges educators face. Throughout the book, “Voice of a Leader” interview excerpts share nuggets of practical wisdom and show how real teachers evolved and triumphed on diverse paths to leadership.

Based on the successful teacher leadership course Dr. Collins developed at the University of Kentucky, this forward-thinking book will prepare special educators to make a powerful difference in schools, communities, and the lives of their students.