Deb, great post.  I love your authenticity and sincerity!!  You ARE a leader - no doubt!

I suspect that a title matters for your students, only because they likely need some sort of heirarchy to maintain order.  Outside of that, I don't think the title matters....at least it shouldn't.

Mature and experienced adults should be able to discern leadership.  It doesn't just come with title.  Rather, that comes with talent and contributions to the organization.

When someone's contributions take an organization outside of the "norm" and in a positive direction, I believe that's leading.  It's doing something differently, and it requires courage, expertise and influence.  These are all attributes of leadership.

Keep up your great work, Deb.  You are a leader, and you are making a difference in the lives of our future leaders!

Erin