This qualitative, phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of principals regarding their pre- and in-service preparation to be instructional leaders for their English learner (EL) population. With the growing, diverse EL population in our schools, principals are often finding it difficult to carry out their roles as instructional leaders. To further understand the problem and to determine possible solutions, the researcher interviewed principals from six states to interpret their experience with pre- and in-service EL training and to discover what training they believed would be beneficial to help them in their current role. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]