Individual empowerment of teachers is a central tenet in teacher leadership, with increased improvement in teaching
and learning resulting in greater student achievement (York-Barr & Duke, 2004). Congruency between a school’s
mission and the values of teachers will result in greater buy-in if they participate in the establishment of curricular,
instructional, and assessment goals. When teachers embrace these goals, they are more likely to accept varying levels
of leadership responsibility, commit to ongoing professional development, and help shape systemic and sustainable
change in improved educational practice to benefit all students.