Improving teacher professional learning through instructional leadership: For better school climate

This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the growing significance of instructional leadership (IL) in enhancing teacher professional learning (TPL) for better school climate. Synthesizing findings from 31 peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2025, selected through a rigorous PRISMA-based procedure and guided by three research questions: 1）What recent developments have occurred regarding the impact of instructional leadership on teacher professional learning? 2）How have instructional leadership strategies supported the enhancement of teacher professional learning and addressed key challenges? 3）What are the emerging directions for future research on instructional leadership in the context of teacher professional learning? The review addresses the fragmented understanding of IL’s role in TPL, explores strategies to overcome implementation challenges, and proposes future research directions. This study provides a comprehensive account of the dynamic influence of IL on teacher learning, offering a foundation for further empirical research and innovative policy development. Despite the increasing scholarly interest, notable limitations persist. Research remains predominantly concentrated in Asian contexts and largely reliant on quantitative methodologies, highlighting the need for more diverse and in-depth qualitative investigations, especially in underrepresented regions. Furthermore, theoretical integration regarding the mechanisms of IL’s impact remains underdeveloped. The review calls for future studies to explore contextual mediators, cross-cultural adaptations, and the long-term sustainability of instructional leadership practices to foster continuous teacher growth and educational advancement.