Not Every Leader Needs an Office: Technology Leadership Teams

In schools, we sometimes act like the only way to “be a leader” is to get a new title, a parking spot, or at least a slightly fancier email signature. The reality? There are only so many department chairs, coaches, and admin jobs to go around. But if we want young teachers to flourish, we can’t just sit back and wait a decade for those opportunities to open up. We need to give them chances to lead now—without pulling them out of the classroom.

That’s where something like our Vanguard Educational Technology Team comes in. Picture this: short, voluntary 45-minute meetings where teachers gather (no one’s forcing them) to learn about meaningful instructional technology. I plan the sessions based on their requests, their building goals, or what’s buzzing in the hallways. But here’s the twist: I don’t hog the mic. I highlight their experiences and then put them on stage to rock out and share what they’re doing. Sometimes administrators join in, which adds real power, but often it’s just teachers talking to teachers about practical ways to design for engagement and make learning more impactful.

It’s simple, but it’s huge. Teachers grow their practice, build confidence, and flex their leadership muscles—all while staying in the classroom where they’re needed most. If you want to grow leaders in your school, you don’t need to hand out new job titles. Just create a space like this, give them the mic, and watch what happens. Turns out, the best leaders don’t always need an office—they just need an audience. And the best news of all — these teachers are already sitting within your building, just waiting for an opportunity to share, grow, learn, and lead.