Seema Satti
Good teachers are very important to schools just as good schools are important to teachers. Any teacher would like to work in a school that allows her to grow, gives her freedom, and treats her well, and this is where the school management plays a significant role. Here, I am sharing a few good management practices that we follow at the institute I work in.
- Efficient manager: – Any school requires an efficient manager to ensure that the institution runs smoothly. A good manager acts as a shield to protect the institution both on and off campus. Management inefficiency will impede the institution’s progress. The institute will progress only if the management makes the best and most efficient use of the available human and physical resources.
- School policies and decision-making: – The school’s policies, vision, mission, and standards should be defined by the management. To achieve higher goals, the management should develop such protocols and guidelines on a regular basis. Furthermore, flexibility should be provided to amend the established set of guidelines in response to changing times and needs. So the management must be proactive in order to make quick decisions in times of crisis, as well as dynamic.
- Coordination: The school structure will collapse if there is no coordination. To achieve uniformity, the management must ensure coordination within the organization’s various departments. This includes effective communication in order to improve human relationships and avoid conflicts.
- A good leader: The management should be able to lead the entire staff to the specified set of goals. A good leader can row the boat to its destination, whereas without one, the boat will drift away. Leaders should motivate teachers to work hard, experiment with new tools, technologies, and pedagogies. The staff should be allowed to interact with the management on a regular basis.
- Manager as an educator and mentor: When you think like a teacher, you don’t want to compromise on the outcome. The management should be well-versed in the field of education. They should be familiar with NEP, new trends, technology, and national and international education standards. They must participate in the learning processes in order to keep up with the latest trends in the education sector. Only then will the management be able to put the best practises in place for the organization.
- Maintaining good working conditions: It is the sole responsibility of the management to cater to the needs of the organization’s teachers and other staff members. A teacher is responsible for providing students with quality education. How can a teacher give her best if the working conditions are not good? It is critical to work in an environment where one feels comfortable. The availability of adequate teaching tools, technology, space, good infrastructure are essential prerequisites.
- Workshops and training: – Education is a field where teachers must unlearn and learn new teaching methods. Schools want to implement the best teaching models that meet the needs of their students. This entails intensive training and learning for teachers. The management must ensure that these trainings, workshops, and seminars are provided to and attended by both the management and the teachers. The management is responsible for hiring and arranging skill-based training for its employees. This contributes to teachers’ professional development and boosts their confidence.
- Salary and recognition: Salary and rewards are financial benefits, whereas appreciation and recognition are motivational factors. The management must acknowledge the efforts of the teachers and other staff members. This motivates teachers to perform to the best of their abilities. ACRs (Annual Confidential Reports) should be made available and each school member should receive feedback. The staff members should be made aware of their responsibilities and what they have done exceptionally well for the school. The administration must both highlight teachers’ achievements and tell them where they need to improve.
- Better relationships: The school will progress if the administration and teachers not only maintain but sustain good relationships. There must be mutual trust and confidence in each other. The management must provide better opportunities for the professional development of the staff, and the staff must also strive to achieve the goals by making the most of the opportunities available to them. The management will only keep their teachers as assets if they work with zeal and passion. Furthermore, if teachers are provided with a happy working environment, they will work with complete integrity. The management is who their teachers look to for direction, feedback, and suggestions on their professional journey.
- Empathy: This is the most important characteristic of managers. The administration must be sensitive so that teachers feel comfortable and at ease when discussing personal or financial issues.
When the management possesses and retains all of these qualities, the teachers and other staff members will undeniably carry out their duties and responsibilities with zeal and enthusiasm. School management is no longer an outside team, but an integral part of school policies and structure. Good management is at the heart of progressive schools.
The author is the librarian and editorial head at Learning Paths School, Mohali. She is the founder librarian at Learning Paths School and has over 14 years of experience in the profession. She has completed her Masters in Library and Information Science and Public Administration from Panjab University. She is the recipient of the award for the Recognition of Outstanding Excellence by Chandigarh Librarians’ Association. She is a member of the International Association of School Librarianship and School Library Association. She loves reading and enjoys writing as well. She can be reached at library@learningpaths.in