Re-imagining professional learning communities in education: Placing teacher leadership in STEM context

This conceptual analysis paper discusses the characteristics of teacher leadership (TL) in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, presenting benefits for its development within the professional learning communities (PLCs). We describe our STEM education approach and argue that TL in STEM is different and more complex than leadership in any particular discipline. We compare two pathways for STEM learning and professional development (PD): engineering design approach and modeling approach. Then, we answer two research questions pertaining to the characteristics of STEM teacher leaders' (TLRs) knowledge, dispositions, and skill set; the support TLRs need to empower STEM educators; and consequently, we discuss how PLCs can become vehicles for growing STEM TLRs and empowering teachers. When promoting integrated STEM, educators likely find themselves in an out-of-field teaching situation, where communication with their PLC's leaders and peers is crucial in developing epistemological multiliteracy and confidence. We elaborate on the four main characteristics of STEM PLCs: (1) collaborative nature; (2) focus on boosting teachers' pedagogical content knowledge and confidence; (3) evidence-based decision making; and (4) advocacy for high-quality STEM education, teacher education, and PD. Each feature serves different but complementary goals, suitable for developing and utilizing the seven dimensions of TL discussed in the literature.