Academic Systems Improvement

Strengthening Instructional Leadership Across Schools

Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) takes a comprehensive, leader-centered approach to strengthening instructional practices across campuses and districts.

We support leaders through high-quality training, ongoing implementation guidance, and individualized coaching, building the capacity needed to lead sustainable improvement.

We partner with campus and district leaders to strengthen the practices that matter most. Through targeted support in observation and feedback, school culture, materials internalization, and data-driven instruction, we help leaders build the skills and systems needed for continuous improvement, so schools can thrive and students can succeed.

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TIL is delivered through a coherent suite of trainings with aligned action steps for teachers, principals, and principal managers. These supports work together over a one-to-two-year engagement to foster continuous improvement, strengthen instructional systems, and build leadership coherence at every level.

All TIL trainings are aligned to the best practices outlined in the Effective Schools Framework, and Education Service Centers offering TIL are approved vendors for campuses seeking technical assistance or capacity-building support as part of a campus improvement plan.

Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) is built on a cohesive set of supports designed to develop strong instructional leaders at every level. Each component works together to build shared understanding, strengthen practice, and sustain improvement

Face-to-Face Professional Development

TIL begins with high‑quality, in‑person professional learning for all instructional leadership staff. These sessions build a strong foundation of skills and create a shared vision of excellence in instructional leadership. Leaders engage in research‑based practices, apply learning to real campus contexts, and develop a common language for effective instruction and leadership.

Implementation Support

To ensure learning translates into action, TIL provides targeted implementation support for principals and principal supervisors. This component focuses on aligning expectations for success, strengthening accountability systems, and supporting principals in their growth. Implementation support includes observing principal supervisors in practice, modeling effective leadership moves, and providing timely, actionable feedback.

One-on-One Coaching

Individualized coaching supports principal supervisors in refining their leadership practice. Through one‑on‑one coaching, supervisors practice key skills and address specific gaps identified during implementation support. This personalized approach accelerates growth and builds confidence in leading instructional improvement at scale.

Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Components

TIL: Observation and Feedback

Guides administrators in building strong systems for consistent teacher observation and timely feedback, shifting the focus from evaluation to targeted professional growth through TIL.

TIL: Data‑Driven Instruction (DDI)

Data‑Driven Instruction (DDI) is a research‑based approach that equips district and campus leaders to lead effective data meetings with their teams. Leaders learn to analyze student data, identify trends, and use insights to drive instructional decisions, ensuring data drives meaningful action and improved outcomes.

Schoolwide Culture Routines (SCR)

Coaches campus leaders in building a culture of student achievement grounded in high expectations. Leaders learn how to design, implement, and monitor effective schoolwide routines and procedures, creating a consistent, positive, and supportive learning environment for every student.

Materials Internalization and Alignment (MIA)

Builds school leaders’ capacity to support and coach teachers in the effective internalization of High‑Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). Leaders learn how to ensure units and lessons are deeply understood, instructionally aligned, and intentionally implemented, strengthening coherence and impact across classrooms.

Meet Our Experts

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Expert Name

Mariana Maldonado

  • Title: Assistant Director
  • Years of Experience: 21 Years

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Expert Name

Danielle Frei

  • Title: Regional Coordinator
  • Years of Experience: 30 Years
  • LinkedIn Profile:

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Mariana Maldonado

Mariana brings 21 years of experience in education. She has served as a high school science teacher, campus curriculum and instructional specialist, assistant principal, and regional coordinator, all with a focus on empowering individuals. She is passionate about strengthening Texas school improvement and turnaround efforts by supporting leaders in implementing effective, sustainable instructional practices.

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Danielle Frei

Danielle Frei brings over 30 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to supporting schools and leaders in meaningful, sustainable improvement. Throughout her career, she has led successful campus turnaround efforts, strengthened system alignment, and developed leaders through intentional, growth-focused coaching cycles. Danielle is known for building strong partnerships with school and district leaders, working alongside them to ensure that systems, instructions, and culture are aligned to meet the needs of every student. In her role as Regional Coordinator, she approaches her work through a lens of supportive partnership, delivering that most impactful change happens when leaders feel both challenged and supported. She is passionate about continuous improvement and remains committed to helping schools build the capacity needed for long-term success.

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Nicole Jenkins

Nicole Jenkins is an experienced educational leader with over a decade of experience dedicated to improving student achievement and strengthening school systems. She has served in multiple leadership roles, including Director of Assessment and Accountability, Dean of Instruction, and Assistant Principal, where she developed a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and instructional leadership. In her current role as a Regional Coordinator for School Improvement and Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL), Nicole supports campus and district leaders in implementing high-impact practices aligned to the Effective Schools Framework (ESF) and TIL. She is a data-driven leader with a track record of producing measurable results, focused on building leadership capacity, enhancing instructional systems, and driving sustainable improvements in teaching and learning. Nicole is also a current doctoral student, further deepening her expertise in educational leadership and school improvement.

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Brittany Jennings

Brittany Jennings brings 19 years of comprehensive experience in education, including serving as a middle school math teacher, holding multiple leadership roles within a mathematics department, working as an assistant principal, and supporting campuses as a regional coordinator with a focus on student achievement. Across these roles, she has remained deeply committed to empowering educators and strengthening instructional practices that lead to sustained school improvement. Her belief is that strong relationships and rapport are a necessary part of effective leadership and meaningful change. She is passionate about building the capacity of teachers and leaders through trust, collaboration, and targeted support to improve student outcomes and ensure long-term success.

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Dr. Jyoti Malhan

Jyoti is an educational leader with over two decades of experience. She founded two nationally recognized schools in Houston ISD, both schools are exemplars for innovative design and exceptional academic success and have been replicated nationwide. Jyoti is passionate about supporting schools in overcoming challenges and achieving meaningful, lasting improvement. Her experience as a teacher, principal, and district leader has equipped her to analyze data, strengthen instructional practices, develop leaders, and implement effective school improvement strategies. She is excited about the opportunity to partner with districts and campuses to build sustainable systems that accelerate student achievement and foster positive learning environments. Helping educators and students reach their full potential is at the heart of her commitment to educational excellence. She is the first pubic school educator to receive an honorary doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine for her work in education.

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Dr. Renee O’Neal

With 34 years in education, including 26 years as a campus and district leader and 18 years serving as a campus principal, Renee brings deep experience and a strong record of leadership. She is passionate about coaching district and campus leadership teams and supporting school improvement through research-based strategies, effective systems of improvement, and practices that accelerate student outcomes. Her work is grounded in a genuine heart for both students and staff.

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Kimberly Thompson

Kimberly Thompson is an experienced educational leader with over 19 years of experience, including a decade as a school leader, dedicated to improving student and school outcomes. In her current role as a Regional Coordinator, she supports instructional leadership, professional learning, and school improvement initiatives within elementary, middle, and high schools across multiple school systems. Kimberly specializes in coaching leaders to implement high-impact practices aligned to the Effective Schools (ESF) and Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) frameworks. Her work focuses on strengthening the capacity of campus and district leaders to build sustainable systems that drive measurable gains in teaching quality and student achievement.

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Dr. Porsha Dudley

Dr. Porsha Dudley is a passionate and driven educational leader with over 21 years of experience dedicated to advancing student success and academic excellence.Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of impactful roles, including classroom teacher, assistant principal, and campus principal. In addition to her campus leadership, Dr. Dudley has contributed at the regional level as a Leadership Specialist and currently serves as a Regional Coordinator of School Improvement and Texas Instructional Leadership. Her work is grounded in a servant-hearted leadership philosophy with a strong focus on intentional practices that elevate leaders, impacts instructional quality, and improves student outcomes.