Partners in Learning: Teacher leaders drive instructional excellence. By Victoria Duff and M. René Islas The 12 partnership districts in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Supporting Effective Teaching Knowledge Development Initiative have spent the past two years building, modifying, and enhancing the roles and responsibilities of teacher leaders to strengthen the quality of school culture, improve the practice of teaching, and foster a deep commitment to professional growth. Six elements have emerged as key factors: Set the vision; identify the criteria; support leaders; communicate the work; build support; and monitor impact. Teachers Rally Around Writing: Shared leadership transforms low-performing Colorado elementary. By Dana Frazee, Kay Frunzi, and Heather Hein In 2010, Sedalia (Colo.) Elementary was a low-performing school when principal George Boser arrived with a