The Teacher’s Role in the Development and Growth of Schools.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this session, participants should be able to:

• define growth and development of schools;• list the roles of teachers’ in the school ;• state the importance of teachers’ role in the

development and growth of school;• outline the effects of teachers’ poor performance on

the school; and• mention the ways teachers’ can perform their roles

better.

Introduction• Different people have different notions about school development

and growth.

• Hillman and Stoll (1994) define school development and growth as “a systematic, sustained effort aimed at change in learning conditions and other related internal conditions in one or more schools, with the ultimate aim at accomplishing educational goals more effectively.”

• However, teachers have a central role in the complex process of school development and growth, because teachers are key change agents for bringing initiatives and innovations in the classroom practices as well as in school development.

Content

• Learning Objectives• Introduction• Content / Procedure• Definition of contextual terms• The Teachers’ role in the development and growth of

schools.• Views of some Teachers• Effects of Teachers’ poor performance• How Teachers’ can perform their roles better• Conclusion.

Who is a Teacher?

A kind helper

A resourceful person

very knowledgeable

attentive listener

patient and optimistic

lover of children

a good role model

has foresight

a disciplinarian

Roles of a Teacher

A Professional

A Builder of relationships

A good Communicator

A Positive person

A good Listener

Excellent Leader

A Motivator

A Cheer leader

Teachers’ should show love . . .

Teachers’ views . . .

• “We are teachers and our job is only teaching bringing change is the function of management”.

• “We are teachers and our job is only to teach, we cannot do any thing without the principal’s consents”.

• “Trainings play fundamental role in a good school [effective school] which helps teachers to adopt the new strategies in her teaching.”

Development and Growth of Schools

Development

A process of changing and becoming larger, stronger, successful, and advanced

  making somebody or something to change in this way.

Growth  The process of becoming larger and more mature.   An increase in size, numbers and strength.  A process of expanding or developing, especially rapidly. 

School

An institution for teaching children knowledge and experience.

How developed is your school?

Do you have quality human resource?

Are you developed within and without?

Do you motivate your staff?

Are you patient with your students?

Are you extra – patient with your ‘slow’ learners?

Do you relate well with other staff?

Do you take criticisms positively

How often do you show appreciation?

Teachers’ should be patient.....

The Role of the Students

listen attentively in class

study hard

ask questions

obey teacher’s instructions

make use of the library

excel in your studies

shun bad company

move with the wise

make your parents proud

Teachers are very important .......

they shape the lives in their care

they have a strong influence on their pupils

they nurture budding talents

they can bring out the best in their students

they push students to achieve success

they turn dreams to reality

they do not give up on their students

they are care-givers and helpers . . .

Parents’ Role monitor your children’s progress

assist with school work

ensure your children are healthy

provide for their needs

improve on what has been done in school

teach them life experiences

listen to them

answer their questions ......

Teachers’ should not . . .

use wrong/negative words

be too harsh , wicked or abusive

dress inappropriately

teach students wrong ideas, values

be partial

be lazy

indifferent to students’ condition

teach what they do not know

give up on their “slow” students

Teachers’ should work together

Positive Collaboration Negative Behaviours at work

Effects of Teachers’ Poor Performance

• The Students will most likely be denied quality education• The Teachers’ may lose their value and worth before

their students and stakeholders• The Teachers’ would have failed in their obligation and

duty• Values, morals and culture which the teachers should

pass down to the students would be lost.• The Parents do not obtain commensurate return on their

investment and efforts • The school will lose public goodwill over time and if care

is not taken, this could lead to school closure.

If You can read this, thank your Teacher

How to enhance Teachers’ performance

• Teachers’ are the main change agents of school learning environment therefore their professional development is necessary for bringing change in teaching and learning .

• Hall and Hord (1987) also indicate the importance of teachers’ concerns and say, “Change can be more successful if the concerns of teachers are considered”

 •  Collaborative teaching and learning environment is a source of school

effectiveness. So, the school management should encourage collaboration in school. 

• Distributing a larger proportion of current leadership activities to teachers would have a positive influence on teacher effectiveness and students’ engagement. (Muijs and Harris 2003).

• Capacity building of teachers needs to be focused on teachers’ self confidence so they could use their expertise to create learning environment in this school.

• By organising sessions/workshops particularly for teachers on pedagogical skills. This support will help teachers to take initiatives and bring innovations in teaching and learning process, which improve classroom practices and enhance students learning outcomes.

Conclusion Professional development of teachers makes classroom practices.

Leadership cooperation and support with the teachers create conducive environment for learning to take place and it is essential for making a school effective.

Teacher’s professional growth leads the classroom practices into the changed learning condition where teachers play his / her role as change agent.

School shared leadership style facilitates and empowers teachers with good coordination, support and cooperation for bringing the needed change that will enhance the students learning.

Reading List For further study:

• http://navodaya.nic.in/Role%20of%20Teacher.htm

http://www.csun.edu/~mHillman, J. & Stoll, L. (1994) Understanding School improvement. School Improvement Network Research Matters No.1

Fullan, M. (2001). The new meaning of educational change. Chap 4.New York: Teachers College Press.

Stoll,L.& Fink,D.(1996). Changing our schools: The Haltom Effective School Project: A story of change. Buckingham: Open University Press.

Kanji, G. (2000). Whole School Improvement Program.

Hall,G. and Hord,S.(1987). Change in schools: Facilitating the process. Albany: State University of New York Press.

Day,C., Harris,A., Hadfield,M.,Tolley,H., Beresfor,J.(2000). Leading School in time of change. Buckingham: Open Press.

Harris, A. (2006). Leading Change in School in Difficulty. Journal of Educational Change, (7) pp. 9-18 

Muijs, D., & Harris, A. (2003). Teacher leadership-improvement through Empowerment? An overview literature. Educational management and administration, 31(4),pp.437-448.

Rizvi,M., & Elliot, R. (2007). Enhancing and sustaining teacher professionalism in Pakistan. 

Teachers and Teaching: Theory and Practices, 13 (1), pp 5-19 Fidler, B. (1998).

 How can a Successful School Avoid Failure? Strategic Management in schools. School Leadership & Management, Vol. 18,

Rose, Mike. “Lives on the Boundary.” The Presence of Others. Ed. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruskiewicz. New York: St. Martins Press, 1997, 97-110

Spayde, Jon. . “Lives on the Boundary.” The Presence of Others. Ed. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruskiewicz. New York: St. Martins Press, 1997eq75037/paper1.htmlZX

The End

Thank you for your participation Bye for now.