LEADERSHIP FROM WITHIN THE CLASSROOM: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS SPECIALISTS

In this article, we describe the leadership opportunities and challenges experienced by eight Elementary Mathematics Specialists (EMS) who had all remained in their primary role as classroom teachers after obtaining their specialist certificates. Drawing on Gigante and Firestone (2008), we categorize the EMS’ leadership tasks in terms of whether they supported colleagues in increasing their knowledge of teaching mathematics. After describing the leadership tasks and how they came about, we describe four challenges at least some participants faced in enacting leadership from their classroom teaching roles. We conclude with recommendations for ways different stakeholders can support EMS in taking on leadership tasks while remaining full time classroom teachers.