About the Book
As a principal, you wear many hats, including that of instructional leader. But it's impossible to be an expert in all areas of instruction, assessment, curriculum, and data analysis. Danny Steele takes the pressure off your shoulders and shows how you can add value to the instructional program of your school and be viewed as an instructional leader by your staff.
Steele presents ten simple strategies that can help you on your journey as you work to balance the imperatives of building operations and instruction. He shows how each strategy plays out during the school day, and he offers real-life examples and inspiration from practitioners in the field. No matter your level of experience, you’ll find simple ideas that you can implement immediately.
You may feel unprepared to be an instructional leader, or you may feel too busy managing the school. But with this jargon-free, easy-to-use guide, you’ll be able to embrace your role as the instructional leader of your school, so that your teachers, and more importantly your students, can benefit!
Table of Contents:
1. A Foundation of Curiosity 2. The Powerful Role of Visibility 3. The Surprising Strength of Vulnerability 4. Leading Without Relationships Isn’t Leading 5. Creating Opportunities for Growth 6. Delegating is Winning 7. Being Intentional 8. Prioritizing Learning, Not Teaching 9. Removing Barriers 10. Focusing on the Culture
About the Author :
Danny Steele (@steelethoughts) worked in education for 31 years and has written six books. In 2016, he was named Alabama’s Secondary Principal of the Year. He has presented at numerous state and national conferences and continues to speak at school districts around the country.
Review :
"In The Instructional Leader in YOU, Danny Steele has hit the home run that all principals have needed for years. This book was written for me and other leaders who have a desire to lead and learn better so we can empower others. The powerful relationships and curiosity that are formed in a school culture that prioritizes instruction and learning, are the cornerstones of this book. It is filled with real-life examples and research-based evidence that will help any leader improve. I will read this one twice, for sure."
Salome Thomas-EL, EdD, Award-Winning Principal and Author
“In The Instructional Leader in YOU, Danny Steele masterfully combines relatable anecdotes, practical strategies, and genuine insights that empower leaders at every stage of their journey. This book isn’t filled with abstract theories; it's packed with real-world, actionable steps to help you become the instructional leader your teachers and students deserve. If you're ready to lead with intention, purpose, and heart, this is the book you need on your desk!”
Thomas C. Murray, Best-Selling Author, Director of Innovation, Future Ready Schools
“Danny Steele gets it. The Instructional Leader in YOU speaks to the real work of school leaders—the kind that doesn’t always show up in a job description. With practical strategies and honest reflection, Steele reminds us that being an instructional leader isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being present, being curious, and leading with purpose. This book cuts through the noise and helps principals focus on what matters most: supporting teachers, building trust, and creating a culture where learning thrives. This is the kind of leadership book that doesn’t just inspire—it equips. It’s one I’ll return to again and again.”
Emily Paschall, Learner, Teacher, Leader, Author of Eyes on Culture: Multiply Excellence in Your School
“Danny writes a bold and practical blueprint that redefines what it means to lead schools in today’s dynamic educational landscape. With compelling insights and actionable strategies, this book empowers leaders at all levels to cultivate authentic relationships, foster professional growth, and build the collective efficacy needed to transform learning communities.”
Dr. Adam Dovico, Professor, Former Principal, Author
“If you’re a school leader who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the buzzword that is 'instructional leadership' — this book is your reset button. The Instructional Leader in YOU doesn’t try to impress you with jargon or a 300-point walkthrough rubric. It meets you right where you are — in the hallway, in the classroom, in the chaos.
Danny Steele strips it down to what really matters: being present, being curious, being real. He reminds us that you don’t need to have all the answers to lead — you just need the heart to ask the right questions and the courage to show up for your people.
This book is a high-five to every principal trying to do the work AND still be the lead learner in the building. It’s practical. It’s personal. It’s real. And more than anything — it’s a reminder that leadership is about people first, always. Read it. Share it. Live it.”
Glen Hill, Superintendent
“What resonated with me most about this book is how intentionally Danny connected with practicing principals from across the country, along with well-known educational thought leaders, to shape each chapter. He masterfully uncovered commonalities that can support any school leader. That level of authenticity is evident in every strategy shared. This isn’t just another leadership book—it’s a reflective, practical resource for school leaders who want to grow in meaningful ways. Each chapter offers actionable insights grounded in real-world experience, making it both relatable and inspiring.”
Ed Cosentino, Principal
“Reading The Instructional Leader in YOU was like being given user-friendly instructions for leading schools —without having to sort through a labyrinth of confusing and dense data and information. The 10 strategies for every school leader are research based, clearly stated, visionary, current, and extremely helpful.
I love this book! Reading it felt like sitting down with an old friend to talk about the things we believe about leading schools and what we can do to make a difference. It was so interesting to read that it was hard to put down, and I wanted to meet every principal the author interviewed. I actually thought about which of the 10 strategies I thought were my strengths in my career as a leader.
If this book had been available when I taught graduate classes in educational leadership, it would have been required reading. If it had been available when I was in a statewide leadership position, I would have sent a copy to every principal in the state. And finally, if I were starting over in my educational leadership career, this is the book I would carry with me everywhere and, more importantly, on which I consistently would try to base my actions.”
Ruth Ash, Retired Principal, Superintendent, and Dean of Education
“As a building principal, I know firsthand how overwhelming the daily demands of school leadership can feel. In The Instructional Leader in YOU, Danny Steele offers a practical and refreshing guide for leaders who want to stay grounded in what matters most—supporting teachers and fostering a culture of learning. With humility, honesty, and real-world insight, he reminds us that you don’t have to be an expert in everything to make a lasting impact. This book is both encouraging and actionable—an essential read for every school leader striving to grow, connect, and lead with purpose.”
Zac Bauermaster, Principal, Speaker, and Author of Leading with a Humble Heart and Leading with People
"The Instructional Leader in YOU is a refreshing and powerful resource for school leaders who are ready to lead with both head and heart. So many books on instructional leadership feel distant—heavy on theory and light on reality. But Danny Steele offers something different. This book feels like sitting down with a trusted mentor who’s walked the walk and still remembers what it’s like to be in your shoes. Steele weaves together timeless leadership truths with the voices of real-world practitioners—principals who are making a difference every day. The result is a book that is wise, practical, and deeply human. With stories from the field, actionable strategies, and reflective insight, The Instructional Leader in YOU is the kind of book you’ll come back to again and again. It’s not just a read—it’s a resource for growing your leadership from the inside out.
Dr. David Geurin, Director of Greenwood Laboratory School at Missouri State University, Author of Future Driven: Will Your Students Thrive in an Unpredictable World
“Danny has captured the essence of what it means to be an instructional leader at any level of education. The topics resonated with me as I could think back to my 20 plus years as an school level administrator. The topics are separate yet intertwined and really show the various ways that a strong instructional leader leads a school. Those who read Danny's words with an eye on self-improvement will certainly find quality nuggets that will guide their improvement. As Danny states, 'Instructional leadership is not something you do to your faculty: it is a way of leading that makes a positive difference for your teachers and your students.' I wholeheartedly recommend this book to continue to guide your journey as an educational leader.”
Jay Posick, Semi-Retired Principal
“The Instructional Leader in YOU speaks to the heart of leadership in schools. Every chapter—from curiosity to culture—reminds us that leading a school isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about asking the right questions, showing up with purpose, building real relationships, and empowering others. As a principal, I saw myself in these pages. If you lead people, especially in education, this book is a must-read.”
Annette Sanchez, Principal
"In The Instructional Leader in YOU, Danny Steele shares experiences and practical ways for school leaders to improve and focus on things that are important, but perhaps more than anything, he offers hope and inspiration. His positive writing style as well as his authentic experiences make this book an incredible resource for principals at all types of schools and experience levels."
Dr. Robert Thornell, Author and Former Principal
“The Instructional Leader in YOU is a must-read if you are looking to accelerate your leadership potential and grow your understanding of what it really takes to be a successful school leader today. The innovative strategies and inspirational stories will provide you with the tools to reimagine your own leadership potential!”
Alonzo Barkley, Principal
“The Instructional Leader in YOU is exactly what school leaders need right now—timely, practical, and deeply grounded in real-world experience. Dr. Danny Steele has an unmatched ability to take what often gets lost in the daily whirlwind of leadership and bring it into sharp focus. This book challenges us to rethink what it means to lead instructionally, pairing clear strategies with compelling stories that resonate with leaders at every level. As someone who coaches and supports early-career principals, this is a resource I’ll be putting into their hands right away.”
Dr. Darrin Peppard, Leadership Coach, Author of Road to Awesome and Culture First Classrooms, Host of the Leaning Into Leadership Podcast
“A must-read for school leaders! Danny's book reminded me of what so many of us feel but rarely say out loud: that despite our best intentions, the weight of the job can often leave us feeling inadequate or overwhelmed. But Danny’s words are a powerful reminder that instructional leadership is not about perfection—it’s about connection. It’s about walking alongside teachers, being present in classrooms, and making intentional decisions that support learning.
If you’re a principal who’s ever felt like you’re not 'instructional enough,' this book is for you. It will encourage you, equip you, and remind you that your ability to lead instructionally comes from your ability to build trust, ask good questions, and stay relentlessly focused on student learning.
This book won’t just sit on your shelf—it will live on your desk. Read it, revisit it, and most of all, share it with your leadership team.”
Dr. Jennifer Hogan, Principal
"The Instructional Leader in YOU is the real deal! Whether you are a first year instructional leader or a veteran instructional leader, this book has something for you. Danny displays his passion and love for supporting school leaders by providing a resource that can change the instructional leadership landscape. This is a must read!"
Gregory Moore, 2024 Alabama Principal of the Year
