This quantitative study assessed teacher self-efficacy, principal supports, and feelings about working in education for n = 146 teachers in the state of Ohio. The respondents rated their feelings about self-efficacy and principal supports on a scale of 1 (none at all) to 9 (a great deal). The survey sought to determine if teachers' feelings…

Research demonstrating principals' impact on student learning outcomes has fueled the shift from principals as facilities managers to an emphasis on instructional leadership (Hallinger & Heck, 1996; Leithwood, Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom, 2004; Marzano, Waters, & McNulty, 2005). Principals are under increasing pressure to carry out…

The purpose of this paper is to propose the "management team"--in which the entire administrative staff influences policy making--as the means for administering Ohio's public schools. Included in the paper are a statement of the problem, underlying propositions, some general principles, recommendations for action, necessary commitments,…

Defining moments generally do not come at a time of a leader's choosing but in the course of leading. In this article, the author explains when she suddenly understood how to best explain and frame her professional mission regarding urban public education. Sections include: (1) Existential Moments; (2) A New Vision; (3) Lifesaving Measures; and…

Although secondary school principals may believe that instructional leadership should be their most important role, many complain about their inability to succeed in this endeavor. They typically cite as reasons the numerous other tasks needing their everyday attention. After briefly summarizing recent research substantiating instructional…

Selected findings are presented from a study of classroom teachers' testing needs, testing proficiencies, testing practices, and testing resources in the public schools in Ohio. Focus was on determining how principals and supervisors can assist: (1) teachers in identifying and alleviating the most common test construction errors found on…

An essential component of effective leadership is the cultivation of followers. This study examined whether 67 California and Ohio elementary and secondary school teachers understood the role and importance of followership in influencing school leadership. Teachers provided demographic data and completed the Teacher Sentiment Inventory, which…