Instructional Leadership for K–12 School Administrators
Trainer: Engy Hammam
Duration: 12 Hours
Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the core principles and competencies of instructional leadership.
2. Differentiate between instructional leadership and traditional administrative roles.
3. Develop strategies to lead and support high-quality instruction in classrooms.
4. Analyze and use student performance data to inform instructional decisions.
5. Provide effective feedback and support to teachers to improve instructional practices.
6. Foster a school culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and high expectations.
7. Implement classroom walkthroughs, observations, and coaching effectively.
8. Align instructional leadership practices with school improvement goals and student achievement.
Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Instructional Leadership
• Definition and evolution of instructional leadership
• Distinction between management and instructional leadership
• Roles and responsibilities of the instructional leader
• Key traits of effective instructional leaders
• Self-assessment: Where do I stand as an instructional leader?
Module 2: Building a Vision for Teaching and Learning
• Creating a shared vision aligned with student learning
• Setting instructional goals and priorities
• Communicating vision to staff and stakeholders
• Case study: Schools with strong instructional vision
• Activity: Drafting your school’s instructional vision
Module 3: Creating a Culture of High Expectations and Collaboration
• Building a positive school climate
• Promoting collaboration among teachers (PLCs, peer observation)
• Supporting innovation and risk-taking in instruction
• Encouraging a growth mindset among staff and students
• Interactive discussion: Shifting school culture as a leader
Module 4: Classroom Observation and Instructional Feedback
• Purpose and types of classroom observations
• Developing a walkthrough protocol
• Evidence-based observation vs. judgment
• Giving effective, actionable feedback to teachers
• Role-play: Practicing observation and feedback conversations
Module 5: Using Data to Drive Instructional Decisions
• Types of data: achievement, behavior, perception, attendance
• Data analysis tools and strategies
• Guiding teachers in using data to inform instruction
• Monitoring progress and adjusting practices
• Activity: Interpreting sample data to identify instructional gaps
Module 6: Professional Development and Teacher Growth
• Identifying teacher needs through performance and data
• Designing or selecting PD aligned with instructional goals
• Coaching and mentoring strategies for teacher development
• Creating individual development plans
• Case scenario: Supporting a struggling teacher
Module 7: Aligning Instructional Leadership with School Improvement Plans
• Connecting leadership actions to student achievement
• Integrating instructional leadership into the SIP
• Monitoring and evaluating implementation progress
• Tools for tracking instructional impact
• Final reflection: Creating a personal instructional leadership action plan