The role of visibility in instructional leadership: insights from Israeli principals

High visibility is a vital aspect of instructional leadership. Although the broader concept of instructional leadership has been extensively researched, the specific role of visibility has received limited attention. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring principals’ perceptions of the purposes behind their visibility. The research involved 23 elementary school principals in Israel, utilizing semi-structured interviews for data collection and a three-step process of sorting, coding, and categorizing for analysis. The findings identified three key objectives of high visibility: (1) ensuring the smooth operation of the school, (2) building strong relationships, and (3) making informed decisions and implementing them effectively. The study emphasizes the importance of a strategic approach to visibility, linking it directly to the core mission of instructional leadership: enhancing teaching practices to improve student outcomes.