Unlocking Your Impact: Why School Leaders Matter More Than You Think

“Leadership is second only to classroom instruction among all school-related factors that contribute to what students learn at school.”

— Leithwood, Seashore Louis, Anderson, & Wahlstrom (2010)

School leaders often feel far removed from daily instruction. But the truth is, no meaningful change in schools happens without them. In fact, research shows that leadership is essential to lasting school improvement. You may not be in the classroom, but your presence is felt in every one. Whether it’s through strategic planning, supporting teacher growth, or shaping school culture, your leadership drives student achievement. And, research shows that when leaders embrace this role fully, schools thrive.

Personal Experience

In our consulting work, we’ve seen the difference an effective principal makes—over and over again. Schools with strong, strategic leaders make measurable progress on improvement efforts. The same initiative in a building without engaged leadership? It often stalls or fails entirely. No matter the program, tool, or framework—leadership is the deciding factor.

1. What the Research Says

• Leithwood et al. (2010) found that “there are virtually no documented instances of school turnaround without strong leadership.”

• Hattie (2015) confirms that leadership ranks just below classroom instruction in influencing student achievement.

• Robinson, Lloyd & Rowe (2008) show that leadership focused on improving instruction has up to three times the impact on student outcomes compared to transformational leadership alone.

2. How Leaders Impact Student Outcomes—Indirectly but Powerfully

• Research shows that effective school leaders focus on setting clear goals, creating high expectations, developing people, and improving instructional practice through strategic resourcing and a focus on teaching and learning (Robinson, Lloyd & Rowe, 2008; Leithwood et al., 2010). These leadership practices create the conditions necessary for student success.

• My dissertation explored Cognitive Personal Leadership Resources (CPLRs)—including problem-solving, systems thinking, and knowledge of effective school practices. These aren’t just “nice to have” skills; they’re the engine behind effective leadership actions. Principals constantly make decisions—where to focus energy, how to support staff, what to prioritize. These choices shape the entire learning environment.

3. The Power of Self-Efficacy

• Leaders with strong self-efficacy believe they can influence outcomes—and research shows they’re more likely to engage in the kinds of behaviors that do (Tschannen-Moran & Gareis, 2004).

• In my research and work, self-efficacy consistently separates passive managers from proactive leaders.

4. Practical Steps to Strengthen Leadership Impact

• Invest in your CPLRs:

  • Improve your systems thinking—understand how decisions ripple through the organization.

  • Refine your problem-solving by using coaching data and reflection.

  • Stay current on best practices in instruction and school improvement.

• Build your leadership self-efficacy through reflective practice and early wins.

• Align your actions with research-based strategies for instructional leadership and change management (Hallinger, 2011).

What leadership decision have you made that created positive change in your school?