THE ROLE OF TEACHERS AS INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERS IN THE 21ST CENTURY EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

MICHAEL R. DATU

We always hear in educational seminars, lectures and forums about the importance of the learners in the 21st century. The K to 12 Curriculum even states that our present educational system is geared in producing quality 21st century learners. We are mandated to produce graduates that are globally competitive but locally grounded. But there are many factors to consider in order to produce quality graduates. One important factor is the roles of teacher as instructional leaders in the educational system.

Teachers as instructional leader have an impact in the curriculum and most importantly inside the classroom. They are the so called “agents of change”, that ensures that the vision, mission and objectives set by the Department of Education is achieved. Their roles and responsibilities as instructional leaders in the present curriculum are much broader than before. The call of today’s teaching and administration is a challenge to the present and future instructional leaders.

Remediation and creating intervention for the low achievers inside the classroom is one of the most important roles of an instructional leader. It’s not merely their job to promote students to the next level out of sympathy but through their student’s best performance. In this way students will feel that their success is of their own and not out of their teacher’s sympathy. Through remediation and intervention we can help them improve in certain areas where their performance level is low and at risk. This will greatly boost their morale to face the next challenges towards learning.

On the other hand, students are not the only one that need help but also the teachers. Mentoring and coaching is one way to help them. Being a mentor to your co-teacher is a great responsibility that one should perform correctly and diligently. Teachers that need guidance and supervision will feel that they belong to the group or organization. Instructional leaders are the best individual to do monitoring and coaching because their knowledge and experience will be an asset for the program to be successful.

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The author is Head Teacher I at San Rafael Elementary School