ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses practice and policy in the USA or the UK, reflecting perhaps locations where particular interest in teacher leadership can currently be found. Each phase in the study of educational leadership provides a different view point from which to consider 'teacher leadership'. Since teacher leadership is a form of leadership, and professional development a form of learning, the connections between them can be explored using a model derived from research that sought to develop understanding of leadership, learning and their interrelationship. Both teacher leadership and professional development are in the service of pupil learning, and teacher leadership is itself a form of learning, affording many opportunities for professional development. Based on the International Teacher Leadership project, David Frost proposes teacher leadership as an educational reform strategy.
