ROLE OF THE LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF HEADMASTERS

The headmaster as educational leader holds the key position in the school. As an important
component of the school administration, he has two important responsibilities, the administration of
the school and the supervision of the personnel involved in teaching -learning situation. Everything
in the school, the plant,the staff, the curriculum, methods and techniques of teaching, co-curricular
activities etc. Is organised by him the efficiency of the school depends on the ability and
skill,personality and professional competence of the Headmaster. He may be described as the sun
around which the educational plants revolve.He is the moon among lessor stars.In the words of
P.C.Wren,what the mainspring into the watch, the flywheel to the machine or the engine to the
steamship,the Headmaster is to the school.The character of the school reflects and proclaims the
professional character of the Headmaster.He is the seal and the school is the wax.He is the
organiser,leader, governor, business director, co-ordinator, superintendent,example, teacher,guide
philosopher and friend.

Mahmood (2002),lists the roles of a Headmaster should have to contribute to the success,
excellence and quality of schools,namely ;

(i)Have a vision of school

(ii)Setting the philosophy,mission and goals and objectives of the school

(iii)Explaining his vision to all staff and students including parents and the community.

(iv)Setting objectives and teaching strategies and curriculum.

(v)Supervising,monitoring and evaluating the curriculum and instructional program.

(vi)Co-ordinate instructional programs and extracurricular activities of the school.

(vii)Monitoring of students learning time.

(viii)Encourage and support professional development for teachers.

(ix)Assist and support teachers in teaching and provide intensive and resource.

(x)Controlling the quality of teaching in schools.

(xi)Creating a school climate that is conducive to enhance the learning process.