May be you have read these lines from Ken Blanchard, an author of various leadership books that “if you what to know why your people are not performing well, step up to the mirror and take a peek”
The above lines is relevant to the management styles of many school principals. Educators believe that all is not bliss in the school and the principals, however effective, often find themselves at odds with their staff, supervisor, students and community members due to differences in expectations. It is important that the most pressing functions of the contemporary principal be identified. The role of the principal of the school is to achieve high levels of achievement for all.
The role of an assistant or school principal in the country’s school system is being redefined in the 21st century. One of the benefits of the new role of the Filipino principals is that they are now more empowered to infuse systemic change rather than simply manage the school and the people in them. They have become more effective and these principals are described as the gatekeeper of change and improvement. The school heads are now expected to be dynamic and progressive movers unlike the somewhat static protectors-of-the-status quo and uncompromising disciplinarians that they were several years ago.
Good school principals are committed to helping their people succeed in accomplishing their goals. And when people accomplish their goals and win, everyone wins. When someone fails, it is the responsibility of the school manager to help this people.
If you as a school principal demand that your people add value to the school through their work, you must fulfill your end of the bargain by telling the truth and keeping work standards high. The school principal of the 21st century should establish a moral purpose, in which the students’ learning should be the central focus for all decision-making. This is the moral purpose that the school principal must establish in the school. He or she is required to commit to a vision of the school as a “community of learners” and develop a workable approach to to meet this vision.
It is a tall order for the aspiring school principal with a mission, the challenge are never insurmountable. No amount of bureaucratic neglect, financial constraints or institutional indifference could prevent him or her from striving and achieving the goals the society has entrusted upon the principal.
Reference:
M. Espayos, The Filipino Principal of the 21st Century. The Educator’s Magazine.Eferza Publishing (2005)
By: Julieta M. Agcaoile Head Teacher III E.C. BERNABE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
