Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership

Joseph Jones is the superintendent of New Castle County Vocational and Technical School District in Delaware, USA. He is co-founder of the leadership development institute,TheSchoolhouse302.T.J. Vari is the Senior Director of Product Strategy at MaiaLearning. Vari is a former deputy superintendent, middle school assistant principal and principal, and high school English teacher. He is also co-founder of the leadership development institute, TheSchoolhouse302.

"This book is an excellent guide for school leaders who want to move beyond management and become true instructional leaders. Joe and T.J. provide clear, actionable tools that help school administrators give feedback while also building a culture where guidance fuels growth. This book blends the reality of leading schools with the importance of shaping instruction. Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership is practical, relevant, and inspiring."Todd Whitaker, Author and Speaker"When readers see themselves in the stories of the book, you know the authors have accomplished something special. That is what you have with Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership: A Principal's Guide to Leading Learning by Joe Jones and T.J. Vari. It is an immensely practical road map for any school leader hoping to move the needle with student achievement. With actionable items in every chapter, it becomes an immediate new tool for every educator looking to strengthen their toolbox."Danny Steele, Author, Speaker, and Former Principal"Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership is exactly what school leaders need right now. Dr. Jones and Dr. Vari provide practical strategies that help principals move from managing the urgent to leading the important. This book is more than theory—it’s a step-by-step guide for getting into classrooms, giving meaningful feedback, and building systems that truly impact teaching and learning. As a principal and national education leader, I know this resource will inspire and equip administrators to lead with clarity and confidence."Evelyn Edney, Principal, Early College High School at Delaware State University; President, NASSP“The book Times, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership: A Principal’s Guide to Leading Learning is an excellent resource for school leaders focused on improving the quality of instruction in their schools, developing the talent of their staff, and creating a climate focused on teaching and learning rather than crisis management.”From the Foreword by Jackie Owens Wilson, Executive Director, National Policy Board for Educational Administration, USA"Time, Tools, and Tactics of Instructional Leadership: A Principal’s Guide to Leading Learning is an essential read for current and future school leaders. In it, experienced education leaders and authors, Dr. Vari and Dr. Jones, argue that true school leadership is rooted in instructional leadership. While principals and assistant principals often feel too overwhelmed to regularly visit classrooms, the authors emphasize that these visits are what make the role most meaningful. Using their “3T Method”—time, tools, and tactics—they offer a practical roadmap to help leaders shift their focus, manage their responsibilities, and effectively guide teachers and staff toward stronger instruction."Mitch Weathers, CEO, Organized Binder "As someone who has worked alongside countless principals, instructional coaches, and leaders, I see the same story repeated over and over again: they’re overwhelmed, exhausted, and stretched in every direction, constantly putting out fires. This book is the lightbulb moment they’ve all been waiting for. It breaks things down with such clarity and precision that it both affirms what we know to be true, and offers the practical path forward that leaders have been searching for. For every educator in a leadership position, this isn’t just a powerful read—it’s essential."Kim Gameroz, Founder and CEO of Teaching Inside Out"Timely, Relevant, and Needed! Principals and school leaders will find this essential guide packed with research-backed strategies, real-world examples, and practical techniques. Timely topics such as instructional leadership, effective feedback, and managing change among others are included in this much needed guide. Whether for professional development or personal growth, this book is relevant and a must-read for anyone ready to lead with lasting impact."Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent "This book is a masterful roadmap for instructional leaders seeking clarity, practical strategies, and impactful results in school leadership. With actionable time management tools, research-driven tactics, and a clear framework for guiding professional growth, Joe and TJ have created an essential resource for principals determined to elevate learning for every student and staff member. Their experience shines through on every page, offering inspiration and concrete steps for leading learning with purpose and effectiveness."Joshua Stamper, Keynote Speaker and Author

• Part 1: The Core of Instructional Leadership 1. Introduction—Becoming an Instructional Leader 2. Finding the Time 3. Knowing What to Look For Part 2: Effective and Meaningful Feedback 4. Celebrating Teachers 5. Making Incremental Progress 6. Improving Conversations Part 3: Systems for Managing Change 7. Anchoring, Focusing, and Aligning the Work 8. Dealing with Resistance 9. Conclusion—Fostering Continuous Improvement