Strike Hard, Teach Soft: Lead Like a Sensei

Instructional Leadership Through Clarity, Coaching & Continuous Improvement Professional Development for School Leaders 60-Minute Interactive Session

Session Objectives: What You'll Master Today

I can strengthen teacher clarity using research-based practices I can apply a 5-minute instructional coaching cycle I can identify observable 'look-fors' during walkthroughs I can practice giving actionable, bite-sized feedback I can understand how leadership impacts teacher identity and student outcomes

Hook: Turn & Talk - Your Leadership Sensei

Think of the best leader/mentor you've ever had What made them effective? How did they make you feel? Share with a partner for 2 minutes

Reflection: What Kind of Sensei Are You?

When teachers see you coming down the hallway... Do they feel excited or anxious? Do they seek you out or avoid you? What does this tell us about our leadership impact?

The Leadership Dojo: Two Paths

Cobra Kai Style: Fear-based, compliance-driven, reactive Miyagi-Do Style: Calm, structured, relationship-centered Both can get results... but which builds lasting success? Today we'll explore both approaches

Cobra Kai Leadership in Schools

{"left":"Compliance through fear\nGotcha observations\nPublic criticism\nMicromanagement\nZero tolerance policies\nResults through intimidation","right":"Clarity through structure\nGrowth mindset\nPrivate feedback\nEmpowerment\nRestorative practices\nResults through relationship"}

Quick Check: Cobra Kai Moments

Think of a recent leadership moment Rate yourself: 1 (Pure Cobra Kai) to 5 (Pure Miyagi-Do) What triggered your Cobra Kai response? How could you have responded differently?

Miyagi-Do Leadership: 'Quiet the Mind'

Miyagi-Do Leadership Principles

Lead with curiosity, not judgment Create psychological safety first Model the behavior you expect Focus on growth over compliance Build capacity through coaching Celebrate progress and effort

The Miyagi-Do Mindset

'First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature rule, Daniel-san, not mine.' - Mr. Miyagi Translation: Master the basics before moving to advanced skills In schools: Ensure Tier 1 instruction is solid before adding interventions

Design Your Reset Routine

When you feel your 'Cobra Kai' rising, what will you do? Create a 3-step reset routine: Step 1: PAUSE (What will remind you to stop?) Step 2: BREATHE (How will you calm yourself?) Step 3: REFRAME (What question will you ask?)

Harry Wong's Instructional Framework

TEACH: Clear explanation and modeling MODEL: Demonstrate the skill or concept PRACTICE: Guided and independent application FEEDBACK: Specific, actionable, timely This applies to both student learning AND teacher coaching!