Knowledge
Teachers list the must-have qualities in principals. Educators, are you listening?
In a much-needed twist, teachers list the must-have qualities in principals. Educators, are you listening?
The key cog in the wheel that is the school, the principal’s role in the success of the school ecosystem is paramount. “A principal is the leader of an entire community within the school, responsible for managing administrative tasks and supervising all teachers and students. Teachers look up to their principals as facilitators and supporters. A successful principal-teacher relationship is essential for a school’s success and it is with mutual communication and trust that both can work towards the well-being of students,” believes Santosh Raghav, Co-ordinator, Wisdom Valley Global School, Palwal.
Santosh Raghav, Co-ordinator, Wisdom Valley Global School, Palwal
Schools will only be a better place when the adults learn how to work better, points out Swati Tomar, Shri Ram Foundation Preschool. “Leaders and teachers need to work on goals together and keep a constant focus on those goals as they go through the year. The success of any organization depends on team work, decision making, work ethics, visions, responsibilities, planning and management that cannot be controlled by a leader alone. Teachers and principals can both be leaders in schools. They can lead with negativity and resentment, or a more inclusive environment can be inculcated where teachers feel safe to share when they agree or disagree with a process and discuss the way forward. When there is a positive relationship between both the principal and teachers, the school will achieve success.”
Swati Tomar, Shri Ram Foundation Preschool
“In school, instead of worrying constantly about setting directions and then engaging teachers and others in a restricted pattern, the leader should focus more on removing obstacles, providing materials, emotional support and taking care so that it makes the journey of teaching easier and fun for everyone,” adds Sadika Salim Lalparia, Vanita Vishram Primary School, Mumbai.
Sadika Salim Lalparia, Vanita Vishram Primary School, Mumbai
Here is a listing of the key qualities that teachers appreciate in principals…
Walk the Talk
There is nothing better than leading by example. Teachers naturally appreciate it when principals model the behaviours they would like to see. Ideally, a principal should reflect the key qualities of the school, so these values filter down to teachers and the entire administration team. “The principal is the educational leader and spokesperson for the school community,” believes Swati Tomar. “It is the leadership of the school principal that sets the tone of the school, climate of learning, level of professionalism, morale of the staff members and degree of concern for children. A school principal is the primary leader in a school building and a good leader always leads by example.” According to Sadhana Saxena, Subodh Public School, Jaipur, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. Those who believe in doing, not just preaching; their actions speak more than their words, and they inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more.; become more.” As Madhuri Kohli, Sri Ram Foundation Preschool puts it, “Before the principal commands, let him practice it himself first, whether it is punctuality at work or meeting deadlines. This will inspire and influence the staff.”
Madhuri Kohli, Sri Ram Foundation Preschool
Respectful Listening
As in most professions, a leader who listens respectfully creates a healthy work environment. This quality enables teachers to feel confident to come forward and share their feedback and concerns. An open door policy or dedicated monthly meetings would enable principals to gain valuable perspectives from teachers on day to day classroom issues. “A good principal would also express value for dissenting views,” points out Khushboo Bhatia, “Principals should try and welcome and embrace conflict as a way to produce substantive, positive outcomes over the long run. Regarding conflict as potentially constructive helps build supportive human relationships because it allows us to deal with our differences in win-win ways. It also allows teachers to feel more secure in providing honest input and participating meaningfully in school decision-making.”
Khushboo Bhatia, S.V. Public School
Forward-thinking
It is important for a principal to exhibit leadership and develop innovative school policy and vision, and to then share the same with the teachers. It helps teachers know that their leader is looking to the future. Sadika adds, “Technology is not just a tool. It can give learners a voice that they may not have had before. A good principal must be aware and well updated about all the modern technologies and tech savvy methods teaching.” Sadhana Saxena believes a principal should be “a keen observer, vigilant and must keep himself informed about the local and global happenings to widen the scope of knowledge.” She adds that it would also be okay if the principal were to create an atmosphere of a little stress for healthy competition. “This will certainly add thrill and excitement, with a challenge open to all either to find a way or make one!”
Sadhana Saxena, Subodh Public School
Inclusive management
Teachers are the lifeblood of a school and are also a treasure trove of talent. Their talent and experience can enable the school administration to make the best decisions for the school. A principal who engages then in the decision-making process definitely builds a better relationship and benefits all at school. “Principals who knock down walls by creating supportive environments for teachers, and welcome parents into schools are those who understand how important their actions are to the school climate,” avers Swati Tomar. “They should listen to all sides and find the best solutions. Principals who engage positively with students, and treat them with respect and like they are the growing human beings they are, are the ones who understand what positive relationships and engagement means to learning.” Khushboo Bhatia adds, “Principals should facilitate authentic participation by asking for the input of those affected by decisions, providing background information necessary for staff to weigh in on decisions, and treating teachers as capable professionals whose insights are valuable.”
Planned & Prepared
Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation and Sadika Lalparia believes it is important for a principal to be prepared and organised in order to face the many challenges. “A good plan implemented today, brings a better tomorrow. Proper implementation of strategy is very essential for the smooth functioning of the school. As the principal is the head of the school, she must make sure that all the plans are properly executed and monitor the same in action to ensure their smooth functioning.” It is important for a principal to show commitment and achieve targets in a genuine manner. “This shows integrity, which is keenly observed by staff, students and parents, and will gain their trust,” adds Madhuri Kohli.
Unbiased Approach
“A principal must be honest and unbiased in sharing duties and responsibilities, according to one’s interest and capabilities, so as to channelise the energies in the right direction,” points out Sadhana Saxena. She must grant equal opportunities to all, to showcase their potential with no comparisons. She must also have respect for all cultures, believe in assimilating the best and adopt all that is beneficial for the betterment of human society. “Principals earn trust from members of the school community by encouraging open communication and actively making themselves available to teachers, parents, students, and staff without bias,” avers Khusboo Bhatia. “It is very rightly said, once the leader takes the risk of being open, others are more likely to take a similar risk—and thereby take the first steps necessary to building a culture of trust.” Santosh Raghav adds, “A principal should be fair and consistent. She should be adept at building relationships in the school team, connecting with each person that she deals with, and balance tough love with earned praise. She must be true to the teachers and students as high standards of expectations have to be implemented and achieved.”
…All this and more!
“A principal must be a pleasing and cheerful person; a person with good character, strong, bold, confident, kind, compassionate and considerate who could live in the heart of every student and teacher as a source of inspiration. He must be easily approachable, patient and honest in dealing with people and situations, effectively and efficiently; quickly and decisively; diplomatically and dynamically to reach to the core of issues in resolving them fairly. He should be commanding and dutiful; strict and law abiding, who believes in goodness, keeps the hopes for all the best to come and maintains the trust of his workforce,” declares Sadhana Saxena. “A principal should be positive, enthusiastic, and put the needs of the school before herself,” adds Swati Tomar, while Madhuri Kohli advices, “Always be gentle and polite as it cascades to the rest of the school. Stay humble, and treat everyone in the organisation with love and care. Maintain boundaries and limits. Learn to ignore; your attention to all incidents is not always necessary. Stay light, keep smiling and stay humorous!”
Yes, that is a daunting list of must-haves for a principal. We have no doubt, however, that most of our educators already have glowing report cards!