The Cultivation of Instructional Leaders through the Development of the Novice School Administrator’s Instructional Toolkit

(Wayland H. Cato, Jr. School of Education, Queens University of Charlotte, USA)

Abstract: In considering the role of the school administrator and the varied knowledge and skills needed to fulfill this critical role, what is often agreed upon is the prioritized status of instructional leadership in the overarching effectiveness of the school leader. As Schools of Educational Leadership and School Administration consider the most important experiences and activities needed to best prepare the leaders of tomorrow, this article presents five essential tools critical to the novice administrator’s toolkit. This paper provides analysis and application of invaluable feedback, instructional vision, ingrained data analysis, incomparable expectations and instructional confidence and courage as important tools for any new administrator. Based on current research as well as the practitioner’s perspective, this examination may add to the continuous review of administrative programs and internship experiences.