This paper reports on an interpretive study that examined the role of the teaching principal, particularly as it relates to principals' moral and legal requirement to work as instructional leaders for student learning. A teaching principal is defined as a principal who has a "double load" or dual roles in teaching and administration (Clarke & Stevens, 2009). In this study, we explored the constitution and effects of this role on individuals and leadership practices of 12 rural teaching principals in Alberta and Manitoba. Findings reflect the need to develop policies that sustain the smaller schools which depend upon administrators capable of thriving in this dual role. Additionally, the way in which teaching principals practice as instructional leaders promises to enrich the literature on instructional leadership. Specifically, the practices that emerge through the teaching principalship are a unique adaptation of existing conceptualizations that offer considerable advantages over those that presuppose a full-time administrative appointment.