I do agree that there appears to be limited information on teacher leadership in the Caribbean region. I think it is because it has never really been much of an area of focus by governments or even schools themselves. There has been an assumption generally that the longest serving teacher may automatically be promoted to principalship upon the retirement of an outgoing principal, but deliberate preparation of teachers for leadership has been limited.

However as more younger persons are pursuing higher education in the broader field of Education and in Education Leadership, returning with higher qualifications, and challenging the norm, this issue has gained interest. This is in addition to the growing calls for teaching standards, master teachers, teaching councils, etc. across the Caribbean region.

I am also aware that the OECS Education Statistical Digest has recently began collecting and publishing data on the number of principals, and deputy principals across the region. Data is also available on the number of teachers taking professional development courses or programmes, and those pursuing management or leadership programmes/certification. It is not much but continues to add to what limited information we currently have in the region.

Thanks Verna. It is true that teacher leadership is not evident in the Caribbean schools as yet. If we look at trends in the USA, Canada and Australia, it can be seen that teacher leadership is being advocated and practiced. In the UK there is little evidence of research.