In this paper, we argue that teachers have an opportunity to take on leadership roles in technology-rich schools and districts. Based on data collected during a year-long project to investigate award-winning schools and districts, we used observations, interviews and focus groups, and document analysis to glean lessons learned from leaders and teachers. Teacher leaders emerged as a noticeable and important aspect of what we saw and heard. Therefore, we highlight ways teachers and leaders can work together to bring about school improvement and student achievement using technology as a key leverage point; in particular we suggest that teacher candidates should be prepared during their preparation programs to take on the role of teacher leader.