Article: Leveraging teacher leadership - inspiring creativity and innovation at ACS-Athens Journal: International Journal of Innovation in Education (IJIIE) 2019 Vol.5 No.4 pp.281 - 295 Abstract: Using a transformative learning lens, based on the work of Mezirow (2000), this study provides insight into the factors that influence excellence and innovative teaching at the American Community School of Athens. Using a case-study methodology, ten one-hour interviews were conducted with teachers and administrative staff of the school to examine their perspectives on the importance of innovation, qualities of teachers as leaders, and factors that facilitate the transformation process as exemplified by their school. Questions included: how do you cultivate innovation and creativity through your teaching? How do you foster an educational climate that values critical reflection? How do you encourage a deeper-level thinking among students that is transformative in nature? The interviews were uniquely positioned to examine innovative change as it occurs and the processes and challenges that emerge when such change is instituted (Fullan, 2016). Three exemplary school programs are described that illustrate innovative practices at this school. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Leveraging teacher leadership - inspiring creativity and innovation at ACS-Athens

Authors: Eleoussa Polyzoi; Stefanos Gialamas; Kristina Cliteur; Maureen Babb

Addresses: University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9, Canada ' American Community School of Athens, 129 Aghias Paraskevis Ave., Halandri, Athens, 15234, Greece ' University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9, Canada ' University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9, Canada

Abstract: Using a transformative learning lens, based on the work of Mezirow (2000), this study provides insight into the factors that influence excellence and innovative teaching at the American Community School of Athens. Using a case-study methodology, ten one-hour interviews were conducted with teachers and administrative staff of the school to examine their perspectives on the importance of innovation, qualities of teachers as leaders, and factors that facilitate the transformation process as exemplified by their school. Questions included: how do you cultivate innovation and creativity through your teaching? How do you foster an educational climate that values critical reflection? How do you encourage a deeper-level thinking among students that is transformative in nature? The interviews were uniquely positioned to examine innovative change as it occurs and the processes and challenges that emerge when such change is instituted (Fullan, 2016). Three exemplary school programs are described that illustrate innovative practices at this school.

Keywords: international schools; innovation; transformative learning; the change process; case study; interviews; thematic analysis; inspiring creativity; teachers as leaders.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2019.102598

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2019 Vol.5 No.4, pp.281 - 295

Received: 26 Feb 2018
Accepted: 03 Dec 2018
Published online: 30 Sep 2019 *

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Title: Leveraging teacher leadership - inspiring creativity and innovation at ACS-Athens

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