345. Nurturing the Emerging Teacher Leader: Featuring Dr. Kathy Perez and Dr. Margaret Coughlan
In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by Dr. Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan, co-authors of The Emerging Teacher Leader: 6 Dynamic Practices to Nurture Professional Growth. Together, we explore the true value of teacher leadership and how it shapes not only school culture but also student learning.
Kathy and Margaret share their own educational and leadership journeys, unpack what it means to lead without a title, and reveal strategies to help schools empower teachers to embrace their hidden leadership potential. We also dive into the six dynamic practices outlined in their book and discuss which one teacher leaders often find the most challenging to master.
If you’ve ever wondered how teacher leadership can drive meaningful growth in schools—or how to step into leadership yourself—this episode will give you the clarity, inspiration, and actionable tools to take the next step.
About Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan
Dr. Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan are committed to the ongoing growth of teachers as leaders through their collective work with teachers in the United States and across the globe. Dr. Kathy Perez is an international presenter and consultant in addition to her work within the United States. She works extensively with teachers, administrators, and parents to support teacher growth and leadership. In addition, Dr. Perez is a notable author who has written several books to guide and support educators. This is her first co-authored book with Dr. Coughlan. In addition, Dr. Perez has created and facilitated a master’s level teacher leadership program that encourages and develops the teacher leader’s voice – a needed ingredient in leadership, and action - through action research projects focused on practice. Dr. Coughlan has supported countless teachers developing their leadership development in the graduate program, working with teachers on deep reflection on the impact of their action research on practice. Her research has focused on teacher leadership development during the tenure of teaching.. Dr. Coughlan supports new teachers and mentors through her work in teacher induction. Dr. Coughlan is a teacher leader practitioner who is committed to the ongoing development of teacher leadership throughout a teacher leaders’ journey.
Follow Kathy Perez
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/DrKathyPerez
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkathyperez/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherine.perez.5817300
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-perez-1096482a/
Follow Margaret Coughlan
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-coughlan-ed-d-16727b2b/
