Thousands of teacher leaders and other administrators around the globe will enroll in principal leadership training programs over the next few years, and quite a few books will be written on the same topic, with many of the courses and texts focusing on discipline, school budgets, classroom management, teacher support, retention, parental engagement, and school culture, to name a few. These are all essential components of effective school leadership, which is complex work. But if any of those seminars or books neglect to focus on the importance of instructional leadership, then they will have missed the mark—and in a big way.
Yes, school leaders serve in many roles, but those who choose to prioritize instruction and learning will stand out in their ability to make a significant impact on their teachers and students and drive meaningful change. While leadership roles look different based on what part of the world you are in, or what school or district, the goal remains the same: fostering a culture of learning that supports both teachers and students. This is one of the principal’s most important responsibilities. In today’s challenging times, instructional leadership is not only important—it is imperative.
If You Build It, They Will Thrive
How can leaders impact and improve instruction in their schools today, tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year? By building learning cultures.
When it comes to student success, leading instruction and implementing effective strategies matter the most.
A strong learning culture is inclusive and student-focused, engaging, and joyful. Most importantly, it ensures everyone is open to learning, building relationships, and creating a culture of belonging where both students and staff can thrive. All of these aspects of strong learning cultures lead our students and staff on a path to lifelong learning. Celebrating teacher and student success, attending school events, completing paperwork, and connecting with parents are all very important, but when it comes to student success, leading instruction and implementing effective strategies matter the most. In a learning culture, schools focus on high expectations for all students, positive relationships, and valuing the cultural richness and diversity in their schools.
Strategies for Building Learning Cultures
Let’s look at some strategies that I’ve found to be successful in building these cultures in my work as a school leader:
- Visit classrooms often to assist teachers with developing learning targets and goals for students. When leaders visit classrooms, it allows us to see and feel the impact of the learning cultures we are developing. Providing timely feedback—both informal and formal—celebrates the teacher’s growth and encourages lifelong learning and support. Instructional support in a learning culture includes modeling strategies, fostering collaboration, and reflecting on practice to improve student outcomes. When we ensure effective instruction occurs daily, we can improve teacher and student engagement.
- Provide meaningful professional development (PD) and become a big supporter of teacher learning by offering personalized, needs-based training for teachers and staff. Offering choices for PD encourages teacher involvement in the decision-making process and ensures that training aligns with classroom needs. Providing meaningful PD is a key driver to fostering a learning culture, as it shows the staff that the leader is interested in engaging the school community, improving morale, valuing staff, and creating a more positive school environment. Cultivating a learning culture in a positive school environment that values all staff also improves teacher retention and recruitment.
- Become an effective leader who provides student-centered support and prioritizes student learning, progress, and emotional well-being. Engage students in a culture that fosters resilience, learning, and creativity, where they are free to be creative and make mistakes. Cultivating classroom cultures of support, high expectations, caring, and belonging helps to build relationships and a more inclusive and joyful environment.
- Build teacher capacity that fosters leadership and trust among staff. Trust is the engine that drives relationships and is the foundation of any successful school culture. When teachers trust their colleagues and their leaders, they feel empowered to innovate, take risks, and share best practices. This leads to a collaborative culture and strong community of teacher leaders who understand that embracing learning and challenges are the key to success. Encourage a growth mindset so that teachers and staff can embrace learning and the challenges they face to improve outcomes and positively impact the school community.
For new or aspiring leaders, building a learning culture can feel overwhelming, but it is vital for enhancing teacher retention, recruitment, and student achievement. Positive and joyful school cultures lay the foundation for successful learning, making effective instructional leadership more critical than ever to foster collaboration and professional growth.
Making Learning a Priority
Instructional leadership is not a luxury—it is essential. Every leader who has a heart for kids and teachers and wants to develop a learning culture in their school aspires to visit classrooms and conference with teachers, but so many competing demands get in the way. The responsibilities of the job would make any good leader question if they could create a school where all students can be successful, teachers can excel, and the community can thrive. But that same leader must realize that those demands will always be there, and that the solution is to find the time and support to manage the school and lead instruction.
Instructional leadership is not a luxury—it is essential.
Learning to delegate and build the capacity of others will help leaders place effective teaching and learning at the forefront of their daily plans and help to develop a laser focus on prioritizing instructional leadership. Building a learning community and improving student outcomes will require time, focus, and an unwavering commitment to supporting our teachers. The stakes could not be higher—and the time to act is now.
