Differentiated & Culturally Relevant Instruction American classrooms are full of diverse learners. Some educational practices of the past no longer meet the needs of the ever-changing classroom demographic. As classroom demographics change, so must the perspective of educators charged with educating young people. It is the responsibility of teacher leaders everywhere to find meaningful ways to reach their students. With the growing popularity of professional learning communities on school campuses, teachers can take advantage of professional development prospects enabling them to establish differentiated instructional strategies that give all students equal access and opportunities to learn. Teacher leaders have several roles. To begin with, as lifelong learners these leaders “foster 
a collaborative culture to support educator development and student learning” (Teachers as leaders, 2011). In other words, teacher leaders are dedicated to improving educational outcomes for students, expanding the professional communities that they work in and creating positive culture. Positive school culture is vital to both students and staff. Roby (2011) offers that “Teacher leaders not only have the ability to shape the culture of the workplace, but if they are operating from a moral mindset, an obligation to do so is imminent” (p. 782). Furthermore, teacher leaders are willing to take risks, effectively communicate, and express their ideas and are heavily involved in the school decision-making process. One idea I have expressed is the need for professional development on culturally relevant education as the majority of students at my school site are students of color. “Culturally relevant instruction requires research and reflection by educators.
 It necessitates