1. Instructional Improvement Platform
I recently learned about the spheres of influence. Basically, the idea is that we
can directly control a small amount of people (100% Impact), influence a moderate
amount of people (50-99% Impact), and we cannot control the rest (1-49% Impact). As
teachers, a lot of times we get on that outside circle (and more than likely, without even
realizing it). As educators, we want to be in control, or at least be able to influence
people, i.e. our students. Things change, and as humans, we adapt. Laws change;
curriculum is adapted; report cards change; standards are transformed; assessments are
improved. Change is unavoidable! I strongly believe that leadership is about
influencing others, not controlling them: hence my ideas for instructional improvement
below.
Developing and supporting a culture of teamwork, confidence, and high
expectations will be imperative in my school. It will be essential that students as well as
staff understand that knowledge is reciprocal; everyone teaches everyone and they should
be able to recognize and express what they need to flourish in each condition. Equity in
the classroom will be easily observable and evident in the teachers’ classrooms, in all
grades and at all levels. Conversation by staff around common core and goals will be
consistent and thoughtful. The practices of grading will demonstrate uniformity and those
approaches will be observed and improved as often as necessary. Student academic
achievement will be recognized and celebrated on an ongoing, scheduled basis.
Growth in my school will be evident by data. The cycle of studying data, setting
goals, rigorous planning and implementation, commonly assessing students,

2. reexamination of data in relation to the goal, and the discussion around effective
strategies for teaching and learning will be a part of everyday professional practice.
I will keep up-to-date with latest research on teaching modalities and curriculum
based instruction. I will lead and guide teachers through goal setting, evaluation, and
professional development opportunities. The ongoing support and encouragement of my
staff will maximize student learning. Fostering the instructional and leadership capacity
in others is very important. I will motivate staff to observe colleagues for professional
development and encourage them to invite others into their classroom for both feedback
and witness examples of new strategies they might have never considered. Professional
learning networks outside of school will be encouraged for new ideas and support. In
order to share effective teaching strategies involving formative data, teachers will be
encouraged to participate in face-to-face professional learning networks.