A great leader once said, “Education is not a merely means for earning a living or an instrument for the acquisition of wealth. It is an institution into life of a spirit, a training of the human soul in the pursuit of truth and the practice of virtue. “

Equating this to the present situation of the teachers, who have all the potentials of becoming a future school administrator must understand the school environment and culture. From an everyday interaction with students in the classroom, they must have future plans of becoming one. They must effectively contribute to the educational system by continuously offering being a role model to students. As other teachers who served for 35 years or more, retirement is not far away. It is the duty of the principal to eye teachers who have the potentials of becoming future leaders.

Many schools have teachers who have the leadership quality, these are the teachers who join team works, study groups, community linkages and even act as member of the School Research Team. They see to it that the positive school environment and culture is maintained positively.

Both the school principal and other teachers may easily detect a teacher who has a leadership capacity. They are the ones who are engage in asking right but tough questions, especially in faculty meetings. They are the ones who set the tones for the meetings and discussions, since they are full of energy, good attitude, and encouragement. Principals must not consider these teachers as threat, instead they will be the ones who will assist him or her in serving the school efficiently and effectively. Many school principals are empowering teachers with leadership potentials. They are involved in the shared- decision making in the school and in the community.

The teachers with the school principal, help each other to begin preparing for a bigger impact several years from now to be realized and obtained in the future. These teachers who were trained in the school level are lucky for having acquired long- time planning, goal setting, in communication, funding and resources and decision making.

School principals must remain inspiring teachers. On the other hand, teachers must continue serving with integrity, setting goals and practice good communication skills. Once prepared, they must balance their responsibilities to face challenges and make decisions. It is now their time to make big leap.

Reference: Marx G. Future –Focused Leadership 2007. USA

VITAL QUALITIES OF TRUE SCHOOL LEADER

Rufina E. Ramo

By: Rufina E. Ramos|School Principal IV|Balanga Elementary School|Balanga City, Bataan