Investigating the association between principal learning-centred leadership and teacher instructional practices: the mediating roles of teacher self-efficacy and collective teacher efficacy

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between principal learning-centred leadership and teacher instructional practices, with the mediating role of teacher self-efficacy and collective teacher efficacy. Drawing data from a sample of 1219 teachers in secondary and high schools in Turkey, this study employed a cross-sectional survey design. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were conducted to analyse the data. The findings provided evidence of a small direct association between learning-centred leadership and teacher instructional practices and an indirect relationship mediated by teacher self-efficacy and collective teacher efficacy. Drawing on empirical data from a developing non-Western context, our results contribute nuance to the global knowledge base by confirming the positive and direct link between learning-centred leadership and teacher practices. Our results also underscore the significant mediating role of teacher self-efficacy and collective teacher efficacy between these two constructs. We discuss the implications for policymakers and practitioners.