Teacher leaders are the pack mules of effective school improvement because they carry the weight of responsibility for ensuring that reforms take root in the classroom and deepen the learning of all students. They continually think about the gap in schools between the real and the ideal, and the discrepancies that they witness compel them to push against the status quo. However, teacher leaders still contend with several challenges dictated by the status quo, such as the antiquated notions of leadership, teacher isolation, and the conservatism that so often reigns in schools. Succeeding as a teacher leader means staying true to one's beliefs, coupling confidence with humility, and being willing to work with colleagues to improve student learning.