Skip Navigation
Report

NEA Teacher Leadership Competencies: Foundational Competencies

Teacher Leadership Foundational Competencies—diversity, equity, and cultural competence—must be understood and recognized as integral to being a skilled teacher leader.
Published: July 2020

Teacher leaders must constantly grow in their ability to engage effectively with diverse people and groups who differ from them culturally. They seek to understand culture and its predominate impact on individuals and groups of people, yet also understand how the dominate culture can privilege or oppress individuals and groups of people. Finally, teacher leaders must develop the skills to challenge inequities and work with culturally diverse groups to create equitable learning environments for all students.

The Foundational Competencies guide teacher leaders to:

  • explore and challenge inequity in the educational system;

     
  • collaborate purposefully with individuals and groups from other cultures; and

     
  • work to create and support policies and practices that give rise to socially just learning environments.

Are you an affiliate?

Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Librarian leans over seated students at the library who are reading a book

Education News Relevant to You

We're here to help you succeed in your career, advocate for public school students, and stay up to date on the latest education news and trends. Browse stories by topic, access the latest issue of NEA Today magazine, and celebrate educators and public schools.
National Education Association logo

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.