The first part of this paper presents the findings of a study of the leadership needs of five practicing teacher leaders. Findings identified an expressed need for specific teacher development and training, which led to the creation of a Leadership Institute for the Future of Teaching (LIFT). The second part of the paper describes the LIFT program, a 2-week graduate summer seminar and fall course that was offered at Indiana University in 1991. Participants continue to meet weekly and publish a newsletter. A university seminar program for teacher leadership certification is under consideration. Goals of LIFT are dedicated to the study and development of teacher leadership, research dissemination, and the creation of restructured, teacher-designed schools. Three figures are included. Appendices include sample pages of the program newsletter, LIFT planning panel participants, a summary of panel issues, and an editorial letter to the local newspaper. (27 references) (LMI)