EXAMINING THE VIEWS OF PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS ON TEACHER LEADERSHIP

The aim of this research is to reveal out the views regarding the meaning of teacher leadership, the qualities that teacher leaders should have, the roles of teacher leaders, the effects to be teacher leaders, the obstacles of being teacher leaders and suggestions for being teacher leaders. Study is conducted via qualitative research method. Maximum variation and criterion sampling was used and therefore 26 volunteer prospective teachers were participated in the study. Participants mentioned that teacher leaders are very important in the changing world for not only leading the school staff but also help schools improve. As teacher leaders are significant, school principals should indicate shared leadership behaviors, provide an environment for teachers to use their leadership potentials.