The Headteacher As Effective Leader

First published in 1998, this volume focuses on the range of crucial role that the headteacher must fulfil as the leader. It has become apparent that being a good manager and teacher is not enough, the headteacher has to be able to lead and communicate the vision of the school to the staff, pupils, parents and governors. The role includes auditing the needs of the school and leading the process of planning to meet its targets, balancing quality of provision and raising standards within the limits of the school environment. The roles of team builder, motivator and systems thinker are also essential. Finally the headteacher has the role of developing staff, and promoting self-development linked with school improvement.

First published in 1998, this volume focuses on the range of crucial role that the headteacher must fulfil as the leader. It has become apparent that being a good manager and teacher is not enough, the headteacher has to be able to lead and communicate the vision of the school to the staff, pupils, parents and governors. The role includes auditing the needs of the school and leading the process of planning to meet its targets, balancing quality of provision and raising standards within the limits of the school environment. The roles of team builder, motivator and systems thinker are also essential. Finally the headteacher has the role of developing staff, and promoting self-development linked with school improvement.

In a complex and multi-layered world, the conventional idea of great leadership being the result of the efforts of a single individual is rapidly becoming redundant. This book takes up the challenge of finding an alternative method of leadership in educational contexts, and looks at how this can help achieve sustained improvement in schools. The authors acknowledge that there are no simple solutions to school improvement. They argue that the effective leaders of the future will be those who are able to share responsibility, build positive relationships and offer stakeholders - teachers, parents and students - an opportunity to work together to improve their schools. The book is based around four key areas of concern: the changing context of leadership, leadership and school improvement, building leadership capacity, and future direction and implications. In each section, the authors discuss current theories and issues, and put forward alternative ideas and perspectives. This important book will make valuable reading for headteachers, principles, deputies and other senior teachers, particularly those undertaking leadership qualifications and training. It will also be of interest to postgraduate students and school governors.

`This is a zippy read arising out of the international project "effective leadership in a time of change", which grapples with the nature and practice of leadership (as opposed to management or administration) in schools′ - Times Educational Supplement Who really runs the school - head teachers or governors? What do pupils think of their leaders and should they have a bigger role in school leadership? Is the United Kingdom obsessed with discipline and `strong leadership′ as others suggest? Is New Public Management an insidious undermining of what is important and valuable in the UK educational system? The answers to these and other questions present surprises and challenges to the way things are seen in the UK. This book provides evidence from other countries that raises many questions about effective leadership and how it is seen from different viewpoints, and examines the issues in a political context and in relation to a changing world scene.

The post of headteacher presents a vast array of responsibilities and challenges, which can be difficult to anticipate and manage. Providing a fully comprehensive support and development package for new and aspiring headteachers, this practical book will help first-time headteachers to confidently deal with the challenges of their post, and inform senior teachers about what they can expect in the role, and prepare them for a future in headship. This book covers: " The nature of headship " The transition to formal leadership " Preparing for headship " National standards and NPQH " Applying for a headship " Entering headship " Consolidation and extension Being an Effective Headteacher will help new and aspiring headteachers to get to grips with the challenges of headship and encourage them to fulfill their potential as educational leaders.

“Imagine you were cast adrift on a desert island with a school full of children in desperate need of a great headteacher. What eight qualities would you take with you to run your desert island school?” In this inspirational book, some of the UK's most successful headteachers answer this question, talking openly about what it takes to effectively manage a school today. In candid and moving accounts we hear how they have both turned around failing schools and improved outstanding schools. Their thoughts, from vision, to courage and resilience, form the 8 key qualities which are examined in depth through the book. This is not a book about government-led initiatives, top-down models or politically-motivated attempts to change the way schools are managed. Instead, it focuses on the vital leadership ingredients that successful heads say work for them. It offers essential insights and advice into the challenges of running a school successfully and will be a source of inspiration for all school leaders and anyone thinking about moving into headship.

In a complex and multi-layered world, the conventional idea of great leadership being the result of the efforts of a single individual is rapidly becoming redundant. This book takes up the challenge of finding an alternative method of leadership in educational contexts, and looks at how this can help achieve sustained improvement in schools. The authors acknowledge that there are no simple solutions to school improvement. They argue that the effective leaders of the future will be those who are able to share responsibility, build positive relationships and offer stakeholders - teachers, parents and students - an opportunity to work together to improve their schools. The book is based around four key areas of concern: the changing context of leadership, leadership and school improvement, building leadership capacity, and future direction and implications. In each section, the authors discuss current theories and issues, and put forward alternative ideas and perspectives. This important book will make valuable reading for headteachers, principles, deputies and other senior teachers, particularly those undertaking leadership qualifications and training. It will also be of interest to postgraduate students and school governors.

The global trend toward self-governing schools (SGS) liberates school heads from bureaucratic shackles, making them leaders in their own right. The many challenges posed by the SGS model make it imperative that school leaders pursue professional development in leadership and management. This book draws on the author’s 34 years of experience in guiding, educating and training school leaders to offer a cutting edge prescription for professional development in school leadership.