Autonomy and Shared Power

Autonomy and Shared Power

The Challenge

Too many schools, districts, and states are organized as rigid hierarchies. Decisions are made “from above.” Educators can’t do what they know would work best. Students, families, and communities feel shut out, like they have no say.

The Opportunity

Imagine if decisions were made closer to students—by educator teams collaboratively designing and running schools, sharing power with students and families. Imagine policy creating not mandates, but space and opportunity for communities to lead change.

Our Work

We support educators collaboratively leading schools and sharing power with their school communities. And we advocate for policies that don’t tell schools and teachers what to do and how—but rather grant them true autonomy in exchange for being accountable for results.

Much of our work in this issue area takes place through our National Teacher-Powered Schools Initiatives (which has its own standalone website).

Featured Resources

ResourceReport · October 2, 2020September 2020

This paper makes the case to grow the teacher-powered movement through a review of academic research and a deep dive on several teacher-powered schools.

ResourceReport · October 24, 2019October 2019

How innovative teachers are radically changing the ways schools are designed and run. Explores common leadership practices, structures, and processes teacher-powered teams design and use daily.

ResourceReport · March 15, 2019March 2019

A guide with reflection questions, conversation starters, and tips and tricks from expert teacher-powered administrators.