Minnesota Instructional Leadership Academy

How It Works 

In the Minnesota Instructional Leadership Academy, you’ll be part of a collaborative learning community with a shared vision and language, working towards the same goals. You’ll develop practices in collecting qualitative data, giving targeted feedback and planning strategic teacher learning that can have an impact right away.

This year-long professional learning series includes 5 whole-group learning sessions, 5 sponsor-coaching sessions, 4 small-group learning experiences in schools, and 3 district or principal coaching support sessions. Learning is grounded in the evidence-based 4 Dimensions of School Leadership™ and 5 Dimensions of Teaching and Learning™ frameworks.

Through the Minnesota Instructional Leadership Academy, participants will develop skills to:

• Uncover inequities in student learning
• Discuss instruction using qualitative evidence
• Provide strengths-based feedback to support teacher growth

In a collaborative learning community, participants spend 4 days observing and analyzing teaching and learning. Observation experiences elevate student experiences, particularly those furthest from justice.

During whole-group learning sessions, which occur at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the year, participants focus on:

• Deepening their understanding of the connection between how students experience instruction and equity
• Examining how implicit bias and privilege influence leadership
• Providing more effective, targeted feedback to teachers
• Planning strategic teacher learning that can have an impact right away

Embedded learning occurs throughout the year and allows participants to apply new knowledge and skills in small group settings. Activities include:

• Conducting student learning walkthroughs
• Observing how students experience classroom instruction
• Collecting concrete, bias-free qualitative data