Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, believes that the best school and district leaders are those who create space for teachers to lead. In an episode of The Best of Us, she emphasizes that teachers are the ones closest to students, and they should have a voice in shaping the policies and practices that affect their classrooms. Here are three ways district leaders can foster bottom-up leadership, in Missy’s own words:
"We need to make sure that teachers feel valued and heard. It’s one thing to ask for input, but it’s another to actually use it to make decisions that impact classrooms." District leaders can create regular opportunities for authentic teacher input—through advisory groups, town halls, or direct collaboration—and ensure that feedback leads to real action.
"The best professional learning happens when teachers learn from each other. We know what works in our classrooms, and when we’re given the opportunity to share, everybody benefits." Instead of relying solely on outside consultants, districts can prioritize teacher-led professional development, where educators share best practices and mentor their peers.
"Teachers don’t have to leave the classroom to be leaders. We need pathways that allow them to lead from where they are." Districts can support teacher leadership roles—such as instructional coaches, curriculum leads, or mentoring programs—so educators can influence their schools without stepping away from teaching.
Missy Testerman’s message to district leaders is clear: When teachers are empowered to lead, the entire education system benefits. True progress happens when leadership grows from the ground up.
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