Instructional Leadership: Driving Effective Teaching and Learning

Format

Individual Presentation

Presenters

Dr. Kim C. Germany, AchieveNow, LLCFollow

First Presenter's Institution

Dr. Kim Germany

First Presenter’s Email Address

kim@drkimgermany.com

First Presenter's Brief Biography

Dr. Kim Germany is an esteemed educational leader with over 26 years of experience in instructional leadership and curriculum development. She has dedicated her career to advancing effective teaching and learning practices across diverse school communities. Known for her expertise in building instructional capacity among educators and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Dr. Germany has a proven track record of driving positive change in education. Throughout her extensive career, Dr. Germany has served as a Principal, District Coordinator, Director, and Executive Director, leading teaching and learning initiatives that elevate academic standards and outcomes. Her roles have encompassed developing strategic frameworks, implementing professional development programs, and guiding school improvement efforts. Dr. Germany’s approach is rooted in evidence-based strategies and data-driven decision-making, ensuring that instructional practices are aligned with the highest standards of excellence and effectiveness. Passionate about empowering educators and school leaders, Dr. Germany focuses on fostering instructional leadership that enhances teaching quality and student achievement. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the continuous pursuit of excellence, making her a respected voice in educational transformation.

Submitter

I am submitting this proposal as one of the presenter(s)

Location

Plimsoll

Strand #1

Head: Academic Achievement & Leadership

Strand #2

Head: Academic Achievement & Leadership

Relevance

1. Focus on Instructional Leadership: The session emphasizes the critical role of instructional leadership in fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning. It aligns with the "Head" strand by providing school leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to lead instructional practices effectively, which is essential for promoting academic achievement.

2. Strategies to Elevate Teaching Practices: The session explores evidence-based strategies that school leaders can use to support teachers in delivering high-quality instruction. This directly relates to the "Head" strand's focus on academic leadership by equipping leaders with practical tools to enhance teaching quality and student outcomes.

3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: A key element of the session is understanding how to use data to guide instructional practices and close achievement gaps. This aligns with the "Head" strand's emphasis on academic achievement by providing leaders with the skills to make informed decisions based on data analysis, ensuring targeted and effective interventions.

4. Building Instructional Capacity: The session addresses strategies for building and sustaining instructional capacity among educators, fostering professional development, mentorship, and peer collaboration. This is crucial for the "Head" strand as it focuses on academic leadership and developing teachers' skills to improve student achievement continuously.

5. Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement: By promoting a growth mindset among educators and encouraging reflective practices, the session supports the "Head" strand's goal of fostering an environment where instructional excellence thrives. Leaders are encouraged to innovate and adapt teaching approaches to meet diverse learner needs, directly impacting academic outcomes.

6. Alignment with AchieveNow Accelerated Leader Framework: The session incorporates the AchieveNow Accelerated Leader Framework, which provides a structured approach to enhancing instructional leadership. This framework supports the "Head" strand by offering school leaders a concrete methodology to implement in their settings, driving instructional quality and achieving educational excellence.

7. Research-Based Approach: The session draws on research from John Hattie and others, demonstrating the significant impact of instructional leadership on student achievement. This evidence-based approach aligns with the "Head" strand by underscoring the importance of leadership in fostering academic success and closing achievement gaps.

Overall, this session is designed to equip school leaders with a comprehensive understanding of instructional leadership's impact on teaching quality and student achievement, directly supporting the objectives of the "Head: Academic Achievement and Leadership" strand.

Brief Program Description

What are the most effective strategies for school leaders to elevate instructional practices and close achievement gaps? This session provides an in-depth exploration of the critical role that instructional leadership plays in fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning. Participants will learn how to identify and promote effective teaching practices, build instructional capacity, and use data-driven decision-making to enhance student outcomes. The session emphasizes practical strategies for school leaders to create a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality instruction that meets their diverse needs.Through a combination of interactive activities, real-life case studies, and collaborative discussions, this session will equip school leaders with the tools and frameworks necessary to drive instructional improvement. Participants will gain insights into the AchieveNow Accelerated Leader Framework, learning how to apply its principles to support effective classroom practices and foster an environment where both teachers and students thrive.

Summary

This presentation focuses on the transformative power of instructional leadership in achieving educational success and closing achievement gaps. It will explore evidence-based strategies that school leaders can use to support teachers in delivering high-quality instruction and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Key elements will include data-driven decision-making, differentiated professional development, and fostering a growth mindset among educators. The session aligns with the “Head” strand by equipping school leaders with the necessary tools to promote academic achievement and effective teaching practices. Attendees will learn how to create an environment where instructional excellence thrives, including how to use data to identify instructional needs, provide targeted support, and implement strategies that result in measurable improvements in student outcomes. Research on effective instructional leadership highlights its significant impact on student achievement, underscoring the value of this session for educators committed to excellence.

Evidence

Research from John Hattie’s meta-analyses and other studies demonstrate that instructional leadership significantly influences student outcomes by fostering a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement.

Learning Objective 1

Learn evidence-based strategies to support and improve instructional practices.

Learning Objective 2

Understand the role of data in guiding instructional leadership and decision-making.

Learning Objective 3

Develop skills to create and maintain a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence among teachers.

Keyword Descriptors

Instructional leadership, academic achievement, teaching quality, professional development, data-driven decision-making, continuous improvement, leadership strategies, student success, educational excellence, achievement gaps.

Presentation Year

2025

Start Date

3-4-2025 8:30 AM

Recommended Citation

Germany, Dr. Kim C., "Instructional Leadership: Driving Effective Teaching and Learning" (2025). National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference. 34.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/nyar_savannah/2025/2025/34