This research focuses on understanding teachers' perceptions of principals as instructional leaders and the role they play in supporting Continuing Teacher Professional Development (CPTD). The principal is viewed as an instructional leader who plays a pivotal role in enhancing academic outcomes and ensuring the overall success of the school. The principal's key responsibility in this capacity is to cultivate a commitment to enhancing academic success within their schools. Various studies in South Africa have highlighted the low academic achievement of learners, which is often linked to inadequate instructional leadership. This research investigates teachers' views on the role of principals in promoting their professional learning and development. Using a qualitative approach, the study adopts a case study research design, focusing on two schools within the Metropole Central district in the Western Cape. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants, and data were gathered through interviews.

The findings suggest that while principals are recognized as providing support to teachers in their instructional roles, the level of involvement varies. In one school, the principal's support is perceived as limited due to lesser involvement, suggesting a potential gap in the ability of principals to provide the expected level of instructional leadership. However, administrative responsibilities may hinder some principals from engaging more directly with instructional support, contrasting with the ideal of transformative and supportive leadership. This study enriches the understanding of instructional leadership in South Africa, offering insights into the experiences of teachers in both affluent and disadvantaged educational contexts.

Authors:
Dorothy Esau, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa
Melitta Adams, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Esau works at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology as a Postgraduate Supervisor and Lecturer and additionally fulfills the role of Faculty Learning & Teaching Coordinator. Her research is on holistic support and mentorship for teachers.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dorothy-e-esau-phd-ed-edufocusconnect-int-l-62a408284

Connect on ResearchGate
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=zEC1mLAAAAAJ&hl=en

Additional website of interest
https://youtube.com/@edufocusconnect?si=YtzS_bX-O4hdr6q9

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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