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To be appointed as a headteacher, a teacher must have demonstrated ability and energy in a number of more junior posts in schools. They will have given considerable time to training and education beyond their initial degree or professional qualification. They are responsible for a wide range of activities in school, including many for which their initial professional education will have been an inadequate preparation. One of the unintended effects of much of the recent debate about education has been to lower their prestige and respect in the community while the legislation springing from the debate has increased their responsibilities. Churches must not be tempted to undervalue the importance of the role of the headteacher, nor should they make the common assumption that associates the size of the school or the age of its pupils with the prestige of the post. Some of the most demanding headships are in small primary schools.
Headteachers are often portrayed as the ones who inhibit the development of cooperation, in much the same way as priests or ministers are often portrayed as the ones who hold back their churches. The similarity is, of course, that in both cases the responsibility for administration and organization depends on them at the day-to-day level. Schools and churches exist for different purposes, although they share some objectives. It is not surprising if, on occasions, the people who carry the responsibility have to say "no". This should be understood and accepted. Carrying the responsibility can be a lonely activity, particularly when the traditional support services are being eroded. Good relationships between the church ministerial team and the headteacher may not only facilitate cooperation but may also provide part of the support structure that all headteachers need in order to function effectively.
The vocation to teach
How do Christians become teachers?
Nurturing teachers
How do Christians who are teachers become Christian
teachers?
Helping Christian teachers grow in their faith and their
profession
Support staff
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