The Essential Roles of the School Head

Mary Jane P. Mallari

Education is believed to be one of the most essential means in transforming the lives of individuals. It is acknowledged by most that through it the most individuals who undergo this process improve in their way of life, which include not only their character and values formation, but also their standard of living.

The school, being the main institution mandated by the Department of Education to deliver quality, equitable, inclusive and accessible basic education, must ensure that the instruction provided to their learners are relevant and liberating. This is to guarantee the holistic development of their learners. With this noble task of transforming the lives of Filipinos through the access of a relevant and liberation education, teachers are to deliver appropriate instruction to the learners. They must see to it that in designing their lessons, the needs, abilities, nature and situations of their learners are considered in order to employ the most appropriate strategies and instructional materials or learning resources in their planned instructions. Their assessment tools and activities should also be based on what objectives were targeted which are to be executed and achieved through their instructions. All these points must be ensured in order to provide quality and relevant instructions that are responsive to the needs of learners. Hence, the role of a principal or school head in providing necessary support and assistance to the teachers is inevitable. He must ensure that continuous and appropriate professional development programs are provided to the workforce to keep abreast with the latest developments and trends in education. In addition, his support in the development and provision of appropriate instructional materials and other learning resources must also be fully extended to the teachers. The function of this instructional leader in the monitoring and evaluation process must also be exercised. This is just to confirm that the school is giving the best possible education to its clienteles.

Having been a school head for quite some time, I firmly and fully believe in the significant impact of good leadership in an organization. As a principal, I have to continuously perform my leadership and functions to the best of my abilities. Every school aims to provide the best and most appropriate instruction for the learners. This is achieved through the collaborative efforts of the teachers under the constant guidance of their school head. Thus, I could claim that every school head has his or her essential roles to perform to ensure that quality, inclusive, liberating and relevant education is served to every learner.

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The author is Principal I at City of San Fernando West Integrated School