The Game Is in the Classroom — No More Excuses One of the most common phrases we hear from school leaders is, “I want to be in classrooms more, but I’m just too busy.” The truth is, effective principals don’t wait for time—they build systems that protect it. The most impactful instructional leaders make it a priority to be consistently present where learning happens: in the classroom. According to Leithwood and Louis (2012), school leadership is the second most influential school-based factor in student achievement—right behind quality instruction. And as Michael Fullan has stated, “The principal’s presence in classrooms is not optional—it’s essential for deep, lasting change.” @MichaelFullan1 So how are successful leaders making it happen? 1. Block It Like a Meeting: Principals like Dr. Joe Sanfelippo schedule daily walkthrough time just like a meeting. It’s on the calendar, non-negotiable, and protected. Once it’s part of your routine, your staff sees that you are committed to their work and student learning. @Joe_Sanfelippo 2. Train Your Office to Protect Instructional Time: Strong leaders empower their secretaries or front office teams to manage what needs immediate attention versus what can wait. This clears the way for uninterrupted classroom time. 3. Align Walkthroughs to Your Goals: Using models like Elena Aguilar’s Transformational Coaching framework, effective leaders conduct targeted walkthroughs based on specific schoolwide goals—like student engagement, academic discourse, or use of formative assessment. @brightmorningtm 4. Use Accountability Partners: As Principal Baruti Kafele often reminds us, leadership is a choice. Ask your AP, coach, or even another principal to check in: “Did you get into classrooms today?” If not—what got in the way, and how can you adjust? @PrincipalKafele 5. Adopt the 5/15/80 Rule (from Kim Marshall): Spend 80 percent of your instructional leadership time in classrooms, 15 percent giving feedback, and just 5 percent on operations and logistics. It requires discipline and systems—but it’s possible, and it transforms schools. At the end of the day, the most important work we do happens in partnership with teachers and students. If the game is in the classroom, that’s where we need to be. Every day. With purpose. No excuses. #InstructionalLeadership #SchoolImprovement #LeadWhereItMatters #ClassroomFocusedLeadership #EdLeadership #NoExcuses #PrincipalPriorities #SystemNotHope