Instructional Leadership and Management in Primary Schools: Supporting Effective Teaching Practices and Teacher Professional Learning

Abstract

One of the most important education-related topics of research these days is the relationship between school leaders and professional development of teachers. Research has indicated that school leaders have had some success in enhancing teacher self-efficacy and teaching competence. Nevertheless, a clear explanation of mechanism of self-efficacy of teachers is still lacking. Thus, professional ability of school leaders and teachers needs to be discussed further regarding the impact of school leaders on the professional ability of teachers. This paper summarizes the related materials in Chinese and overseas literature and presents the relevant literature synthetically and exhaustively. The study demonstrates that school leadership positively influences the self-efficacy and professional efficacy among teachers. Supportive and collaborative leadership can enhance the self-efficacy of teachers and additionally encourage the growth of teaching efficacy. Meanwhile, transformative leadership has become significant in supporting the professional-level growth of teachers. Judging by the results of the above research, it may be assumed that school leaders play a significant role in the professional development of teachers. The teacher’s sense of self-efficacy plays an important role in the process. Thus, the schools have to develop the supportive and cooperative model of leadership to enhance the development of the professional capability of the teachers and improve the quality of education.