Teacher leadership as a teacher professional identity

The purpose of this study was to determine the perspectives of teacher leaders on teacher leadership. Case study, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The study group of the research consists of 18 teachers who work in 5 public high schools affiliated to Adana Provincial Directorate of National Education in the 2019-2020 academic year. Teacher leaders were determined by other teachers in their schools. In the study, the data were collected by using a semi-structured interview technique with "Teacher Leader Interview Form." The results of the study revealed that most of the teacher leaders had the characteristics of effective communication with others, helping others and being active at school. As a result of the study, the characteristics that should be in the teacher leader were listed as effective communication, professional competence, being exemplary, following innovations, rhetorical skills, helping others, problem-solving, approach full of trust and having a corporate culture. Participants stated that teacher leadership barriers are lack of wages, lack of time, taking responsibility, regulations, professional burnout, family problems, professional illiteracy, lack of motivation and ineffective communication. The vast majority of participants stated that their schools help them to lead and they have effective communication with their administrators. As a result of the research, it was determined that the teacher leaders got support from their colleagues and administrators in leadership.