The author of the latest Speaking Out article purposefully leaves instructional leadership in the hands of his teachers to allow those “in the trenches” to have decision-making abilities about curriculum content. “I am the first to admit, and proudly, that I am not the instructional leader of the school,” veteran principal Don Sternberg wrote. “I never have been nor will I ever be that person. I am, plain and simply, the instructional manager.”
He goes on to write: The last time I was in a classroom teaching for an entire school year was more than 28 years ago. How could I possibly be the instructional leader when I have not been in the trenches for 28 years? I have charted our course and manage the day-to-day functioning via the feedback from those who have contact with students every day.”
Do you agree with this concept? Based on the author’s distinction, are you an instructional leader or an instructional manager?
re: Shying Away From Instructional Leadership
I am in my tenth year of school administration and feel that I am more of an instructional leader than I ever was as a teacher. I make it an important part of my job to be in classrooms daily and to be a student of the art and science of teaching. It is important for an administrator to keep true to his/her instructional roots.
Although I do "manage" as well I try to keep my focus on leading and motivating others to lead as well.
re: Shying Away From Instructional Leadership
While others may charge Dr. Sternberg with “antics with semantics” I too find a significant distinction between leadership and management in the running of schools. This piece articulates what I have been telling teachers all along; they are the instructional leaders and student success happens in the classroom, not above it. While this distinction does not diminish the important role of the principal in shaping excellence in the education community, it does properly place the responsibility of ensuring effective instruction where it belongs, in the hands of the teachers. A well-managed collaborative environment ensures that teachers share best practice, focus on learning and are accountable for the results. It sounds like Don Sternberg has a nice handle on the big picture of student achievement.