Head teacher – the person who leads his/her department, the leader who guides his/her teachers in a certain subject area, and the guide who helps the principal in the realization of the school’s goals.
The role of the head teacher is crucial in the operation and achievements of the school that’s why the department head should possess the qualities mentioned below.
First, a head teacher should have the “head”. This means that he/she should be the brain of his/ her department. He/she should have the intellect, knowledge, and skills in leading his/her teachers.
Second, a head teacher should have the “ears”. It means that he/she should know the strengths and weaknesses of the teachers under his/her so that he/she may guide them according to their needs.
Third, a head teacher should have the “arms” to be extended to his/her subordinates. He/She should always be of ready help to the teachers under him/her. He/She should always be there to assist them.
Fourth, the head teacher should have the “dream/drive/desire” to uplift his/her department. He/She should lead his/her teachers in producing globally-competitive students. The head teacher should serve as the inspiration towards teaching excellence.
Fifth, the head teacher should have “tolerance” to different forms of stress that may come his/her way. As a head, he/she may encounter various problems and challenges so he/she should possess this quality.
Sixth, the head should be “enthusiastic/eager” as a leader of his teachers. The head should always motivate and inspire his/her teachers to work for him/her towards effective teaching-learning process to produce quality graduates.
Seventh, the head should be “active”. This means that he/she should serve as a driving force for his/her teachers to do their part in the educative process and push them towards excellence.
Number eight quality is “concern”. The head teacher should show genuine concern to his/ her department, teachers, students, and the school. He/She should be sincere in his/her goals as head teacher.
Number nine quality is “heart”. As a leader of his/her department the head should have the heart towards his/her teachers. Remember that each individual teacher is unique and he/she should always create a positive working atmosphere for his/her subordinates.
Quality number ten is “empathy”. An effective head teacher should know how to empathize with his/her teachers. He/She should know how his/her subordinates feel and should understand them.
Number eleven is “responsible/resourceful”. The head teacher is the person responsible for his/her department. He/She should be accountable to the outcomes of his/her department. Likewise, the head teacher should be resourceful. He/She should offer solutions to problems that may arise in his/her department. He/She should be creative enough in finding innovations for the betterment of his/her department.
The initial letters of the qualities mentioned above will be spelled h-e-a-d-t-e-a-c-h-e-r. Through these qualities, we can be sure that the department the head is leading will gear towards the vision and mission of the Department of Education.
By: Emelita G. Paguio | T-III Nagbalayong HS
