Quotes from Michelle Collay

Education is ever-changing, even though some of our practices aren't evolving as quickly as our students are.

teachers lead by working directly with students and others who influence student learning inside and beyond the classroom. Teachers act on behalf of students by planning instruction, creating curriculum, collaborating with colleagues, taking initiative, taking the lead, and co-constructing practice on numerous levels.

Disciplines do have status, and we judge others as representatives of their disciplines.

If instructional expertise and cultural competence, or the ability to teach across difference, are essential to improving student achievement, then teachers are educational leaders with the greatest scope of influence

have always questioned acceptance of a hierarchical "ladder" of professional responsibility in schools. In a relatively flat organization with students at the center of the enterprise, most teachers need resources and support, not a supervisor.

We educators have chosen to work with all students, taking responsibility to do our best with the materials and resources we have.

Teachers lead by taking actions that improve the conditions of learning for others.

As my professor remarked after he heard me say I was learning to play the bassoon, "No, you're playing the bassoon. Someday you'll play it better!