Page 22 - Mini-Module 7

As for other teachers, I believe whether there is mutual trust,
support and collaboration among teachers has an impact on
their willingness to have more opportunities to exercise teacher
leadership. (Mary)
It is sometimes difficult in school because if I always share with
the same group of teachers, other colleagues who don’t like
them may be suspicious of me too. (Robert)

Insufficient time and the rigid school structures also prevented
teachers from exercising teacher leadership:

It worries me sometimes when it is difficult to spare time for
professional sharing in school. (Peter)

Supporting factors outside the educational context included
religion and family support. These also have a strong impact
on teacher leadership. First, religious beliefs provided the
spiritual support to one teacher to sustain commitment by
searching for the meaning of life through work. Two other
teachers also expressed the importance of their family and
the emotional support they provided to sustain their work:
Personally, I have a strong dedication to make my life
meaningful by making contributions to society. This is partly
due to my religion that has influenced me to search for
meaning in life. (Angela)
I can sustain my leadership roles because I get support from my
son. Besides, I keep a balance between work and life. (Mary)
There are two ways out. I share with my wife, colleagues and
even students to balance myself emotionally, such that I would
not give up. (Peter)

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