By: Maribeth H. Sotomayor, EdD, Principal III
SDO Laguna, Liliw Sub Office
Liliw Central Elementary School
The educational landscape is changing. The world has been changing at a rapid pace as a result of technology. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc and uncertainty around the world. To restore some semblance of order in what has become a VUCA world, unprecedented changes were required.
The pandemic has had a significant impact on school systems all over the world. No matter where or how countries manage their basic educational systems, the pandemic has wreaked havoc while schools struggle to keep children learning. This is the most difficult challenge that school leaders face. In this regard, it is critical that school leaders are well-versed in the principles and practices of a strategic and innovative leader, as well as how strategic thinking and innovation apply to addressing school challenges. Identifying and recognizing a school’s current challenge, as well as the external factors that contribute to it, provides a better opportunity for a school head to lead change.
The trend and needs of education are constantly changing and the demand for school management and leadership is crucial to success in delivering quality education. Schools are expected to immediately cope and adapt to the continuous trend and changing environment to survive and address the needs of the educational system. Thus, a school head, being the leader and manager of the learning institution has a complex task and crucial role to perform. They are expected to direct the schools’ future course through success.
There are various areas of responsibilities that school heads need to lead such as management of human and non-human resources which includes teachers, school resources, and facilities respectively. They are also expected to manage the financial resources effectively and utilize this school’s expenditures for the significant program and educational activities needed by the students to attain learning competencies. According to Republic Act 9155 or the Governance of Basic Education Act, the role of the school head includes but is not limited to leadership, management, teacher evaluation as well as management of curriculum and instruction, and enforcing student discipline to maintain their well-being.
School leaders are expected to manage school with authority, responsibility, and accountability to achieve excellent learning outcomes towards global competitiveness. To attain this, school head should know and heartfully embraced his or her role as school manager and leader. With the changing needs of education today, school head should learn how to run a school organization effectively. Attending seminars, trainings and post graduate studies for professional growth is vital as it will provide learnings and development that will benefit the school. To be able to perform the duties and responsibilities of school head today, each should know how to work in a digital world. Learning how to simply utilize technology can change everything.
Above all, a school head must accept that there are things we don’t know. We cannot only learn from the books and theories we read but also from the people we are interacting with such as our colleagues, teachers, and even from our experiences. There will be challenges along the way, but instead of giving up, we should use this as an opportunity to grow and continue to serve an organization that will shape the leaders of the future. Lead and learn as it should never stop.
