I have been reading today about instructional leadership and transformational leadership. Here are the definitions I have uncovered so far.
Instructional leadership focuses on how the school leader engages with teaching and learning. A strong, directive leader becomes a culture builder in a school by communicating a mission. The leader talks over and over about the mission and it is embedded into classroom practice and policies. The leader also takes an active role in managing staff and the curriculum. They work directly on teaching and learning issues. They are highly visible and have high expectations. The instructional leader protects teaching time and promotes professional development.
Transformational leadership describes a process by which a leader increases support for common goals. They seek to improve staff and themselves. There is a collaborative culture in which all are encouraged to participate and grow.
According to the article I have been reading by Viviane Robinson (2007), instructional leadership has a much greater positive impact on student outcomes than transformational leadership.
I am aware that I am an emerging leader; I am still developing my style of leadership. I can see the impact that I could have as an instructional leader. It seems to me that I may be helped by developing some charisma, though! (Is that even possible?) I have worked under a headteacher who was a dynamic instructional leader; he was also so demanding that many staff felt burnt out. I think sometimes I tend to the collaborative structures of transformational leadership because I am conflict-averse. Seeking others’ opinions seems like a safe way to proceed since then I cannot displease anyone.
I have more to say and I need more time to think and write. But I need to get back to the business of planning lessons.
I think that planning lessons is my prime task as a teacher. One article I read today (also Viviane Robinson) said that educational leaders should focus more on leading teaching and learning. This gives me lots to (hopefully) think about and digest soon.