Leadership matters in any organization. Whether it is a classroom teacher, a teacher leader, a school principal or the superintendent of schools, all play a critical role in successfully accomplishing the goals for learning and teaching set for the district and its students.

The Galileo Institute for Teacher Leadership, housed in the Department of Organizational Leadership, was established at Oakland University in 2005 to build on the knowledge, skills and strategies tested and refined during more than a decade by the Galileo Leadership Consortium. Since that time, the Institute has promoted the development of new graduate programs, organized a variety of service projects to schools, partnerships with school districts and has conducted research on issues related to teacher leadership.

The mission of the Galileo Institute for Teacher Leadership is to improve the learning of all students, elevate the education profession, enhance the leadership skills of teachers, and fulfill the vital role of public education in achieving a civil, prosperous and democratic society. The commitment to the concept of developing teacher leaders, to defining what teacher leadership is and why it is so important is at the heart of the institute.