Teachers’ POV: The School Head as the School Captain

In every school, the principal isn’t just an administrator behind a desk—they are the captain of our educational ship. From the teachers’ perspective, a great school head inspires, guides, and supports us every day. Like a seasoned captain steering a vessel through both calm and stormy seas, our school head sets the course, unites the crew, and ensures every classroom is part of a larger, well-coordinated journey toward excellence.

Leading by Example

From our point of view, an effective school head lives the values they expect of everyone. When our principal walks the halls, visits classrooms, and engages with teachers in professional development, they model the very behaviors that make a school a thriving community. This “captain’s presence” not only boosts our confidence but also creates a culture where every teacher feels empowered to innovate in their classrooms. Research has repeatedly shown that principals who are visible and accessible—who “model the way” as described by Danielson (2006) and supported by findings from the Wallace Foundation—positively influence teacher morale and student outcomes [1,2].

Charting a Clear Course

A school head as a school captain sets a clear direction by establishing a shared vision for learning and success. Just as a captain charts the course for the ship, our principal outlines goals, expectations, and strategies that resonate with both teachers and students. This clear vision helps us understand our role in improving student achievement and encourages collaboration across all levels of the school. Studies by Hallinger and Heck (1996) and Leithwood et al. (2004) have shown that clear leadership correlates strongly with school effectiveness [3,4]. When our principal explains the school’s mission and involves us in decision-making, we feel like active members of the journey rather than mere passengers.

Building a Collaborative Crew

The best captains know that no ship can sail successfully without a united crew. Similarly, our school head fosters teacher leadership by encouraging collaboration, shared decision-making, and mutual support. Whether through regular professional learning community (PLC) meetings or informal coaching sessions, the principal creates opportunities for us to share best practices and solve challenges together. The National Education Association’s (NEA) Teacher Leader Model Standards emphasize the importance of teacher leadership in building a collaborative culture that supports both educator development and student learning [5]. When leadership is shared, as described in the concept of distributed leadership by Marks and Printy (2003), every teacher can contribute their expertise, leading to a richer, more resilient learning environment [6].

Navigating Challenges Together

Just as no sea is without its storms, our schools face challenges—be it resource constraints, student behavioral issues, or changes in curriculum and policy. In these turbulent times, our school head steps in as a steady captain. By listening to our concerns, offering constructive feedback, and involving us in problem-solving, the principal helps us navigate difficulties and turn them into opportunities for growth. Research on instructional leadership underscores that supportive interactions between principals and teachers are critical for overcoming obstacles and achieving sustained improvement (Qasim et al., 2024) [7]. When our captain acknowledges our challenges and works with us to find solutions, it makes a world of difference in how we face daily hurdles.

Celebrating Success and Inspiring Innovation

A true captain not only keeps the ship afloat but also celebrates victories—big and small. Our school head recognizes and appreciates great teaching, giving credit where it’s due. This recognition motivates us to try new methods, take calculated risks, and innovate in our teaching practices. As noted by Edutopia’s “A Teacher’s View on Impactful School Leadership” (2023), genuine recognition from leadership can spark creativity and enhance professional growth [8]. When our principal praises effective teaching and supports our professional learning, it fosters an atmosphere where excellence becomes the norm.

For teachers, the school head is much more than an administrator—they are the captain who guides the school toward excellence. Through clear vision, accessible leadership, collaboration, and unwavering support, our principal plays a pivotal role in shaping a positive school culture that ultimately benefits every student. When our school head acts as an inspiring, effective captain, it empowers us to deliver the best education possible, even in the midst of challenges.

By embracing a captain’s mindset, our school heads can not only lead with vision and integrity but also foster a collaborative and innovative environment where teachers thrive and students succeed.

References

1. Danielson, C. (2006). Teacher Leadership That Strengthens Professional Practice. ASCD.
2. The Wallace Foundation. (2013). The School Principal as Leader: Guiding Schools to Better Teaching and Learning.
3. Hallinger, P., & Heck, R. H. (1996). Reassessing the Principal’s Role in School Effectiveness: A Review of Empirical Research, 1980–1995. Educational Administration Quarterly.
4. Leithwood, K., Seashore Louis, K., Anderson, S., & Wahlstrom, K. (2004). How Leadership Influences Student Learning. The Wallace Foundation.
5. National Education Association. (2011). Teacher Leader Model Standards Teacher Leadership Exploratory Consortium. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/TeacherLeaderModelStandards2011.pdf
6. Marks, H. M., & Printy, S. M. (2003). Principal Leadership and School Performance: An Integration of Transformational and Instructional Leadership. Educational Administration Quarterly.
7. Qasim, M., Al Sharafat, M., & Al-Zoubi, R. M. S. (2024). Teachers’ Perspectives on Public School Principals’ Instructional Leadership Practices: An Assessment Using the Hallinger Scale. ResearchGate.
8. Edutopia. (2023). A Teacher’s View on Impactful School Leadership. Edutopia.
9. Susanna Loeb. (n.d.). Research on Principals’ Impact on Student Outcomes. Retrieved from Wikipedia.
10. PIDS. (2023). The Philippine Education System in Crisis. Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
11. Philippine Education Today: Statistics, Challenges, Opportunities. (2024). Retrieved from Trinity University of Asia website.
12. Teacher-Powered Schools. (2014). About Teacher-Powered Schools. Retrieved from http://www.teacherpowered.org
13. Shared Leadership. (2024). Shared Leadership in Schools. Retrieved from Wikipedia.
14. Professional Learning Community. (2023). What is a Professional Learning Community? Retrieved from Wikipedia.
15. Leithwood, K. (2024). Kenneth Leithwood on School Leadership. Retrieved from Wikipedia.