The Artisan Teaching Model for Instructional Leadership

The Artisan Teaching Model merges the idea of teamwork with the concept of an artisan-apprentice relationship. As in any apprenticeship, newer members of the profession work alongside experts ("artisans"). As apprentices become more skilled, they take on larger and more substantial roles and continue to work alongside, and together with, artisans. Over time, the apprentices become artisans themselves and in turn share the art and craft of teaching with newer teachers.

Although rubrics and checklists may cue good teaching practices, they do not make great teachers or effective leaders. Teaching is a craft, and great teachers must be treated as the artisans they are. It's the intensive collaboration among teachers that helps them develop the broad range of skills they need to become true artisans who know how to help every student achieve. Baum and Krulwich work from this underlying premise and argue that all schools must develop conditions that allow true artisanship to flourish.

"Baum and Krulwich's Artisan Teaching is a great example of the power of collaboration in schools . . . and should be widely emulated by those interested in building capacity and improving schools. Great ideas for creating a school community based in deep learning that benefits all schools."

—Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto

"Artisan Teaching puts the emphasis right where it belongs—on the home-grown, teacher-led creation and improvement of course curriculum and instruction. Baum and Krulwich's book, based on the excellent results achieved at their school in the Bronx, confirms the unrivaled power of focusing on the right things, all the time."

—Mike Schmoker, Author of Leading with Focus

"Baum and Krulwich's system is a powerful and innovative new approach to leadership development within schools. The Artisan Teaching Model is both bold and creative and can be implemented successfully in any school in the country. It is a must-read for anyone interested in school improvement."

—Joel Klein, Former Chancellor, NYC Department of Education