The Role of the Principal as an Instructional Leader

The study focused on the role of the principal as an instructional leader in the Motupa Circuit primary schools of Limpopo Province. The nature and effectiveness of the education system depend on the role of school principals as instructional leaders in the effective and efficient monitoring and support of educators’ curriculum implementation in the classrooms, evidenced by learners’ performance and the effective functioning of educational institutions. The literature review undertaken benchmarked on the instructional leadership roles of school principals. Qualitative research approach in the form of observations, interviews and the analysis of written documents was employed to elicit the principals’ perceptions on their instructional leadership roles and how they enhance effective teaching and learning towards improving learners’ performances. The study anticipated that principals as instructional leaders will be increasingly involved in ensuring that curriculum implementation in the classrooms is monitored and supported for effective teaching and learning to be realised. The study’s findings revealed that this is not happening as it should.