Multi-Pathway Model of Instructional Leadership and Teacher Self-Efficacy: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review synthesizes empirical evidence on the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher self-efficacy and identifies the key mechanisms that mediate this relationship across diverse educational contexts. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in the Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025, using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods designs and focusing on school-level instructional leadership and teacher self-efficacy. A total of 21 primary empirical studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for qualitative synthesis. The review revealed a consistent positive relationship between instructional leadership and teacher self-efficacy. This relationship is supported by interconnected organizational, professional, and psychological mechanisms, including professional learning opportunities, teacher collaboration, supportive school environments, and trust in leadership. The findings indicate that effective instructional leadership is associated with stronger teacher confidence in their professional capabilities by fostering conducive conditions for learning and growth. Based on the synthesized evidence, this study proposes a Multi-Pathway Model that conceptualizes instructional leadership as a multi-level capacity-building process associated with stronger teacher self-efficacy. The review contributes to the educational leadership literature by providing an integrative explanation of the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher self-efficacy. It also offers practical implications for policymakers and school leaders to promote collaboration, continuous professional learning, and a positive school climate to enhance teacher capacity and sustain school improvement.