As I continue to enhance my own practice as an instructional leader, the process of getting into classrooms consistently reveals what an invaluable opportunity it provides to gain a broader perspective and to create conditions for growth. My approach is not accidental. It is grounded in continued research and practice, most recently exemplified by Justin Baeder’s (2022) structure, which emphasises that instructional leadership is best built on many short, frequent observations - six or seven minutes at a time - conducted consistently and repeatedly throughout the year. It is through this rhythm that meaningful patterns emerge and leaders deepen their knowledge of teaching and learning. This resonates with City’s (2011) reminder that improvement comes when leaders identify persistent patterns across classrooms, not from one-off observations. Bright Spots Building on prior knowledge. A consistent pattern continues to emerge: learners are often able to connect new skills and ideas...