THE POWER TO LEAD LEADERS

It was stated in the book of Richard Shepard that “In various possible school-based factors, it is the head teachers’leadership that has the second greatest impact on student outcomes.

Truly, head teachers are considered to be in a fortunate spot for they know what is going on in their school. They are the ones who develop a clear vision for their schools and are responsible in seeking the needs for improvement of the school. Heads are likely to be the managers of development in every school system by means of creating sets of direction for their schools and collaboration with their staff, so they all take part in the school’s development.

Being a head teacher, my goal for my faculty members is that; They could share their vision that brings people together to discuss school development plans to further improve our existing school policies and practices and to make them a skilled and committed staff who will serve devotedly. Heads’aim is to set up goals for school development in different areas of learning process and approach as a realistic and grounded way towards change and innovation. Without my colleagues,the change we all want to pursue for the school would not furnish.

As stated in the Lashway’s Facilitative Leadership, one must keep in mind that the modern style of management is that of collaboration and empowerment, and not as it was up a few years ago, rather hierarchical and based on authority. Both should deal with the emphasis from authoritative to helpful leadership. In short, facilitative power is power through, not power over.

Years have passed since I became a head teacher. I struggled many times and luckily, I was able to overcome them. I have also proven that enthusiasm in collaboration with my staff is very infectious in a positive way. We have identified that one of the plans in enriching the school’s system is to understand the children’s needs.

On the other hand, there are lots of hardships in the field of education. Even in a short span of time, there have been so many things that must be changed such as the resilience and problem solving skills employers ask from time to time, that could lead in building privileges in the curriculum. In this aspect, adjustments due to innovation also need supervision which must be spearheaded by the head teachers. In addition, higher expectation from pupils is inevitable, so we find ways to interpret these changes in the community. As said, what is taking shape is unlikely to change, regardless of any future. We are in diverse societies, so, we cannot really control it, everyone is varied. Cultures and societies should be considered too.

For me, the crucial stage in managing people is creating innovation in school. Of course, having an innovation changes everything in order to establish new and improved ways of instigating knowledge and influencing the school’s culture. For a head, it is essential to be the role model and an educational leader with a vision, to facilitate school improvement and for decisions to be taken in collaboration with my staff. Indeed, it was a wonderful, meaningful and fruitful experience.

What I liked the most is when I set the goals in meeting the school’s improvement, I now see the fruit of my labor pupils are now valued when they demonstrate excellent team work and problem solving skills, as well as their respect for each other. Truly, I appreciate those things. The support of the parents also inspires me to do more, as they entrust their children in our hands. It was a victory for us when our partnership with the parents grew strong. They have given us the trust that their children’s skills will be honed and be valued citizens and someday will go out into a vast society.

When I took the way along in the path of being a head teacher, I could say that my experience was a roller coaster ride. It was full of ups and downs, but on the latter part of the adventure, you will enjoy and treasure every bit of the ride. I will never regret any part of my experience and I will continue to see my faculty’s and pupils’ potentials as they rise above the challenges in achieving the best against all measures, be outstanding and globally competitive.

— oOo— I at Mauaque Resettlement High School, Division of The author is Head Teacher Mabalacat City

JENNET A. TAYAG