Developing Instructional Leadership: Creating a Culture of Ownership Through the Use of Strategic Learning Practices

Of all the hats the principal wears the most vital in terms of increasing academic achievement is that of instructional leader. An instructional leader focuses on the growth of the teacher. An instructional leader respects the teacher as learner and honors their individual learning process. An instructional leader differentiates the teacher's learning by strategically offering those practices that most effectively and efficiently support distinct styles of adult learning. If a school or district is truly student centered, then each educational stakeholder in the system has very specific responsibilities. These responsibilities identify the vital, and unique, role of teachers and principals. The vital role of teachers is to consistently and intentionally support students to own their learning. The vital role of school-site administrators is to consistently and intentionally support teachers to own their role in student learning.