Leading from the Trenches: What It Takes to Become an Instructional Leader

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School leaders know that instructional leadership is a crucial aspect of education. However, many of those leaders lack the knowledge and credibility to lead this work. Leaders must be empowered to enter into and guide instructional conversations while building leadership capacity of their teachers in the process. It is easy for administrators to get caught up in the daily managerial tasks of running a school. Passionate educators become principals, however, to make a positive impact on the classroom opportunities and experiences of young people. Because principals may not be experts in all areas of instruction, they must develop their own skills to become genuine participants in instructional conversations. However, the task of a true leader is also to develop the leadership capacity of those around them to ensure that best practices are embraced in all classrooms. The most important and consequential work in schools is happening in the trenches. Principals must commit to join their teachers in that space. With these new skills and a renewed commitment to genuine instructional leadership, administrators can work collaboratively with teachers to transform the educational experience of all students.

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In the book Leading from the Trenches, Stephen Newton provides an experienced-based roadmap of what school leadership should look like. The book provides new school leaders with guidance as to the most effective actions in specific situations as well as guidance regarding the moral and ethical stance an effective leader must manifest on a daily basis. -- Robert J. Marzano, cofounder and CEO, Marzano Research Laboratory
Principals want to be instructional leaders. However, they are consumed with the unlimited number of operational challenges that come at them every day. How can they find the time and develop the skills to become effective instructional leaders Steve Newton provides highly impactful strategies on how to do just that. A must read for building principals! -- Bill Daggett, Founder and Chairman, International Center for Leadership in Education
Leading from the Trenches provides a sobering look at the real, day-to-day challenges of educators who accept the responsibility to educate the next generation of American citizens. Dr. Newton provides a voice for those who assess, respond, and support the needs our children on a daily basis. This book is an important read for anyone who cares to understand and support the future of American public education. -- Anthony S. Muhammad PhD, president, New Frontier 21 Consulting; former principal of a U.S. Blue Ribbon School; speaker and author ofTransforming School Culture--How to Overcome Staff Division

Author Bio

Dr. Stephen V. Newton is a distinguished educator and leader with over twenty years of experience in education. His success with improving instruction and achievement for students led to his selection as Wyoming principal of the year. He now partners with districts nationwide to improve instruction for students.