By: Vic D. Adlaon
Principal I, Baranghawon Elementary School
For each public school in the Philippines, the principal is not only an administrator. She is the heartbeat of every public elementary school. In as much as millions of students and their communities are made to feel by the Philippine public school system, the work of a school head is demanding in its turn; however, it is also very rewarding. Leadership provided by a school head directs her school toward academic excellence; builds environments of growth, learning, and community spirit.
The school head begins the day before the bell rings. This means that right from dawn, they are already making the rounds, checking on classrooms, and greeting the teachers, ensuring everything is in place for another productive day to start off. Their duties are enormous-from scrutinizing lesson plans to school accounts, seeing classrooms are properly and adequately set up, and coordinating with the local government and the Department of Education in terms of the needs of the school. Amidst all these activities, however is how important it is as the principal to motivate and inspire the whole school community.
An excellent head of a school is aware of the fact that their primary role is to be a mentor or guide for all their teaching staff and students. This head is often seen walking along the school corridor from one classroom to the next, giving encouragement to teachers and finding out how lessons are carried out. The principal is a supportive colleague to whom teaching personnel are deeply in debt for helping them develop their profession. It speaks well of this type of principal that a good deal of the teaching force in public elementary schools say they are much more confident and competent because of inspirational leadership such as this.
However, the benefits are not limited only to the teachers. The students also benefit from the leadership of the principal. As a matter of fact, usually principals in public elementary schools are seen chatting with students during recess, asking them about their studies and life outside of school. In such a relationship, they develop a feeling of belonging, and this principal is a person who cares for them.
Aside from playing the main role, the head of a school connects with parents, the local government unit, and other members in the community for continuous change in the school. He does activities like school garden projects, health and nutrition, or community literacy amongst others to complement a full school experience for the students. From collaborations and asset gathering, most public school principals were successful in including in their respective schools the modernization of facilities and, consequently, technology for the students’ side.
Underpinning every functioning public elementary school is the school head, working tirelessly in the pursuit of making an environment exist where all teachers and students can succeed. For her, the power of leadership has been a boon for everyone in the school community that changes the ways teachers and students go about their lives. Like the unsung hero in the Philippine public school system of heads of schools; no kidding-seriously, these guys really personify public service and dedication.
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