‘There are no good schools without good principals.
It just doesn’t exist. And where you have good principals, great teachers come and they stay,
And they work hard, and they grow’ –
Arne Duncan
Former U.S Secretary of Education
The powerful synergy created by school leaders and teachers when they work in tandem with each other cannot be over-emphasized.
Their collaboration successfully concretises the vision of education into meaningful and impactful experiences in the classroom which ultimately leads to the holistic development of students.
School leaders and teachers share a symbiotic relationship that is crucial for the overall success of an educational institution.
I would like to shed light on some key areas where this collaboration complements each other.
1. RolesBringing Alive Vision and Direction
School leaders begin with a vision. They have a mission in their minds and know the strategic direction of their institution. They set goals and create a roadmap for the academic heights they want to reach.
Teacher enter the scene with translation of these goals into tangible learning experiences. They make sure that the daily classroom activities align with the school’s vision.
It is safe to say that school leaders guide while teachers bring in the expertise, dedication and the day to day magic of classroom interactions!
2. Roles in Strategic Planning
School leaders are involved in the strategic planning of the growth of the educational institution. They have the wherewithal, they allocate resources and take decisions that are parallel to the school’s objectives.
The teachers contribute to the execution of the strategic plan by putting the curriculum on course, implementing curriculum changes, adopting innovative teaching methods, and providing valuable insights into the needs of the students.
3. RolesMaking Resources Available and Their Optimal Use Thereof
School leaders are responsible tapping and allocating resources efficiently. Whether it is educational materials, learning aids, the best suited technology for the institution or the emoluments of the staff. Efficient budgeting is one of their tools.
It is then the responsibility and ingenuity of the teachers to utilise allocated resources in the most efficient manner. This they do by synchronising their teaching methods to make the most of the available tools and materials.
4. School Leaders – Backstage Architects Teachers – The Everyday Centre Stage
In an interesting analogy I would like to draw a parallel between school leaders who are architects backstage. They are responsible for stage setting, props, lights and the script.
A teacher on the other hand is the heart of every classroom. They craft live the learning experiences that shape young minds. I would say they are the real heroes who have dedicated themselves to the intellectual and emotional growth of their students.
Teachers bring the curriculum to life just as an actor brings a script to life. They infuse passion, creativity and care into the ideals of the school leader. By doing this a teacher creates a learning environment where students feel valued and empowered.
5. Creation of a Culture
School leaders cultivate a positive school culture which emphasises strong values, and inclusivity. They build an overall environment where which is embedded in creative freedom and strength.
Teachers contribute to the overall culture by creating a positive and engaging classroom environment where the students feel motivated to learn and empowered to apply.
The cherry on the cake is that as a result of the teachers contribution, the students feel valued and safe; a key ingredient for any parent.
6. A Two-way Feedback Door
Interestingly both school leaders and teachers are in a position to provide feedback for each other which is mutually benefitting.
Teachers provide invaluable feedback based on their experiences in the classroom and their excursions outside of school.
This helps leaders to make well informed decisions that hold in good stead for educators, students and parents.
School leaders in turn gather feedback from teachers and then incorporate their insights into the administration and policies of the school.
This eventually enables the academic institution to rise to great heights.
7. Freedom to Improve, Adapt and Innovate
School leaders provide the space to make mistakes and innovate. They strive to provide a shock proof paraphernalia by encouraging continuous improvement. For this they also provide resources for new teaching methodologies.
Teachers take this further by bringing innovation into the classroom. They in turn have the freedom to experiment with new teaching technologies and educational approaches to meet the evolving needs of students.
This greatly contributes to making education relevant in a rapidly changing global scenario.
8. An Environment to Nurture Minds and Make Compassionate Hearts
Only teachers can bring into an academic institution what a school leader looks for. This is because teachers are not only educators, they are counsellors and mentors too. Their approach goes beyond textbooks. They touch the hearts of the students; a quality which permeates every level of learning from kindergarten to college.
They are able to ensure a holistic development of every student under their care. They not only have the expertise but also the commitment and love to create magic in the life of a student.
The school leader provides the unwavering support to this noble venture.
9. The Glue of a Successful and Long-term Partnership – Opportunities for Growth and Self-fulfillment
An aspect that has been often sidelined and now is rapidly gaining momentum is ‘professional development’. School leaders play a vital role in the facilitation of professional development for teachers. By providing opportunities for growth, training, and collaboration, leaders empower teachers to continually enhance their skills and stay ahead of the curve of educational advancements.
10. Relationship of Recognition and Reinforcement
School leaders build an ecosystem where efforts are recognised and rewarded. They acknowledge the contributions and efforts of teachers and this builds a healthy culture of appreciation.
Teachers in turn work hand in hand with their counterparts, school leaders, and other stakeholders to make a unified approach to education.
While we all will agree that education is a vast ocean that has many stakeholders, the complementary role of a school leader and teachers is an essential note that is a recipe for long term success.
Their collaboration is not just one based on functionality, it is the very pivot of a healthy and thriving educational institution.
Together they create a culture and an environment where vision meets execution and possibilities turn into tangible achievements. It is this successful partnership that ensures a continuous evolution of academic excellence and the making of able and compassionate citizens.
