The Leader Within: Understanding and Empowering Teacher Leaders will assist schools in developing effective teacher leaders based on the Teacher Leader Model Standards. The goal of growing a culture of teacher leadership is to assist in creating a school culture committed to raising student achievement. This book is not intended to be solely used as a means of professional development, but to grow teacher leadership in schools and school districts. The center of effective teacher leadership is empowering teachers to be leaders in establishing a culture that is focused on student development and growth.