Using Powerful Tools for Instructional Leadership

Abstract

Leaders are expected to be transformational and catalytic. In the 21 st Century, expectations on performance are at a record high. The idea of instructional leadership can be a daunting task and often feels like an add-on to many administrators who are working hard wearing a myriad of hats on any given day. By using a human-centered design thinking process to create solutions based on a problem, a question, or a need, through multiple iterations and perspectives, leaders have been able to develop processes that work. The question then becomes, "How does the instructional leader change mindsets that will positively affect learning?" The processes discussed here will provide participants at any grade level or any subject area with specific processes and tools that connect theory to practice and have a high yield in the learning journey whether in a local, provincial, national or a multinational setting.

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“…We are living in a time when nurturing out-of-thebox thinking is being advocated more frequently by scholars who strive to better develop the organizational capacity to address tomorrow's challenges [11]. In truth, however, an alarming amount of the thought shaping instruction and the operation of American schools today, is far more indicative of a dominated system.…”

“…Along with indicators supporting its general use, there is evidence that mentoring for new administrators has broad immediate value, and potentially offers continued benefit as educational leaders are presented with increasingly complex challenges [11]. The literature often advocates for formal agreements, and promotes definitions and training, though again there is also evidence and experience that suggests none of these are actually necessary.…”

“…Add to this in many settings, certainly including the United States, it is persistently and concomitantly being publicly scrutinized for the perceived mishandling of its own affairs [6]. Educational administrators are facing increasingly diverse challenges from stakeholders representing every corner of society, all while being tasked with preparing students to deal with demands and potential careers that do not even exist yet [11]. It is not an easy time to be an educator.…”