1      Make the School a Better Place for Teachers

By Nnamdi Edu

I was recently informed of schools where the school heads were caught quarreling their teachers.  Of course, this sounds unprofessional.   However, while many see this issue as a troublesome circumstance, I consider it an open door for change. 

I’ve been working as a school board chair for years while serving as a Pastor in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

The pain that the teachers face while performing their task is enormous.  I’ve on several occasions settled disputes between the school heads and their teachers. 

Leadership is not easy; every leader will tell you that, especially when dealing with workers in the workplace. So many factors can assist your progress if you stay attentive. 

1.1    Define your personal leadership philosophy

               "Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does“

Every educator knows the importance of philosophy in education, but how do you figure out your personal leadership philosophy that makes you behave well in your school?

You have to see how the major educational philosophies have influenced your thinking and figure out how to integrate them to suit you as a person.  I tell people to control their personal statement of beliefs that control their behavior in the classroom and the society, and the school heads are included.  You know what interest you and your expectations as a head. 

I do encourage fellow educators to be eclectic in their philosophical practices.

The question a leader should ask is how to apply the hidden curriculum? This is about behavior.  Every school  is concerned about the character development of their student, and the implementers of this curriculum are the teachers and the school administrators.  If the teachers and their head continue to quarrel what, exactly, are they teaching their students?  Therefore, the school head should choose a philosophy that anchors on making the school environment conducive for the teachers.

1.2    Apply theory to your administrative work.

Theories are generalized statements used in explaining a particular phenomenon.  I had the privilege of talking to an elementary school head teacher. While we were talking, the issue of theory came up.  As I was trying to explain a particular phenomenon with a theoretical framework, the school head, interrupted and altered a statement that got me thinking.  “Theories are meant for classroom solutions.”  I was startled at his response. 

There are a large number of school administrators with the same thought. An excessive number of school administrators don't have a clue of how sometimes their actions are based on theories. A leader who chooses to yell at his instructors when attempting to send them on an errand is indirectly applying theory X as propounded by Douglas MacGregor. All things considered, this specific theory as indicated by McGregor does not yield performance. Rather, he prescribed to each leader to apply theory Y that focuses on the prize of performance. As indicated by him, workers perform exceptionally well when they are fulfilled.

You need to understand that you have all it takes to make your teachers feel great. Abraham Maslow needs theory is essential for instructors. This theory proposes that school heads ought to work towards the fulfillment of their workers' needs. If a teacher works and his salaries are not paid as at when due, he'll not put in his best. I do sympathize with those teachers who have worked for 3 to 4 months without compensations. I think about how they are surviving.  In such an environment, how do you expect such teachers to teach effectively? Therefore, the leaders should apply theories when performing their task.

1.3    Integration of faith and leadership

I became very interested in the concept of integration of faith and learning during my first year in graduate school. 

A worldview has an impact on leadership. For instance, a Christian ought to know the significance of people. You can relate to individuals if you put the Bible at the center of your leadership. The Bible says, "Love your neighbors as you love yourself." It implies you'll not hurt your instructor, rather, you'll do everything within your ability to make him perform his obligations.

There are exceptionally many Biblical characters to follow. Jesus is the principal example. He was a servant leader. Studies have shown a strong correlation between servant leadership and workers' performance. Workers whose leaders are servants thrive. 

  As a leader, your teachers are important resources. You can't accomplish your objectives without their assistance.  Define your personal philosophy to reflect on teachers’ development, endeavor to use theories in performing your task and try to integrate faith in your leadership.  By so doing, the environment will become a safe place for teachers’ void of acrimony and other defiant actions.