By Victor Ochieng’
Francis Bacon sagely said: “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few are to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.”
Ogutu M.A., the Senior Principal Kisii School has penned a book that obeys the last part of those wise words. The Art of School Management talks about his experiences which span for twenty years.
His stint at Maranda School, Chulaimbo High School, Ramba High School, Agoro Sare High School and now Kisii School.
In the foreword, Boaz Owino, the Chief Principal Nyambaria School admits that Ogutu M.A. is a remarkable school principal with deft management skills.
Leadership begins in the classroom. Any teacher who yearns to climb the ladder and become a leader, must shine like a star in classroom.
According to William Arthur Ward, there three types of teachers. A mediocre teacher tells. A good teacher explains. A superior teacher demonstrates. A great teacher inspires.
With floods of inspirations learners will reach the acme of academia. For it was Johann Gottfried Von Herder who observed: “Without inspiration, the best powers of the mind remain dormant. There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks.”
The results of the school are in the staffroom. The teacher presents the curriculum to the learners, motivates and does more to a learner than a parent.
As Henry Adams noted: “A parent gives life but as a parent he gives no more. A murderer takes life, but his deeds stop there. A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops.”
Ogutu M.A., is a shining example as a teacher of History and Government and Christian Religious Education (C.R.E).
In 1994, he was the best History teacher in Nyanza Region. In 1995, he was the best C.R.E teacher in Nyanza Region. In 1998, he was the best C.R.E teacher in Nyanza Region. In 2008, he was the best C.R.E teacher in Nyanza region.
In 2012, he was ranked as the best History teacher in Homa Bay County, and position 31 in the whole country.
The role of the principal in school management is crucial to the success of a school.
A principal must be a good manager, planner and organiser.
Through strategic thinking and vision, s/he influences the academic performance of a school, allocates resources, directs and motivates the school staff. His actions must paint him as a leader.
As aptly put by Adam C. Quincy: “If your actions can inspire others to do more, dream more, become more, learn more, you are a leader.”
Small things that principals say and do matter to the three stones in the hearth of a school – teacher, student and parent.
Principals are measured both in speech and tone. Principals must strive to remain objective.
Principals are key agents in the school’s academic journey and they are also the first quality assurance officers when it comes to curriculum implementation.
The quality of a nation depends on the quality of its schools and the quality of schools depends on the principals and teachers.
The destiny of the nation is shaped in the classroom. A school is like a lens. If it is a good lens, it becomes crystal clear, and permits vivid projection of ideas and ideals.
The quality of the school speaks without a tinge of accent about the character of the principal.
The principal is the captain. As aptly put by Dr. John C. Maxwell, the brilliant proponent of cogent leadership content: “Everything rises and falls on leadership. Leadership rises and falls on communication.”
The principal is the seal and the school is the wax. S.K. Kochar in 2004 concluded that schools are good or bad, in a healthy or unhealthy mental, moral or physical condition, flourishing or perishing as the principal is capable, energetic, enthusiastic, and of high ideals, or reverse.
There are three kinds of Principals: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who do not know what is happening.
The principal must motivate teachers. Because they are the most important components as far as the quality of education is concerned. The best curriculum and the most perfect syllabus remains dead unless given a kiss of life by teachers.
Therefore, staff welfare must be looked into. The principal should help teachers move from their comfort zones to capacity zones.
How? Organise seminars and workshops to help teachers grow and glow.
It is the role of the principal to cure the ‘destination disease’ that commonly ails teachers. How? Challenge them to write books.
Let them go for further studies, because an empowered teacher, is an effective teacher. Use verbal and written commendations to boost their morale. Write letters of appreciation to commend them.
Simple acts like availing newspapers, providing yummy meals, refreshments, occasional trips and retreats – work wonders. New teachers must be inducted properly. Teachers should be involved in decision making.
The principal must ensure that the support staff have decent uniforms and proper tools of work. The BoM teachers, support staff and suppliers get their dues without delay. Principals should avoid unnecessary pride, hubris, and arrogance.
The principal must act as a school plant manager. School plant refers to the educational facilities that assist in the implementation of educational programmes.
Management of the school plant involves planning, provision, maintenance, and improvement of school resources.
The school physical environment plays a pivotal role in teaching and learning activities.
To quell unrest and sporadic school strikes, the principal should take care of students’ welfare.
Involve them in decision making. Encourage them to write anonymous letters, clearly stating how they feel.
Encourage frequent house and class assemblies where learners can air their grievances without victimisation.
Hold barazas, and use such occasions to encourage them to express themselves. Use democracy and open door policy to run the school.
Have your eyes and ears on the ground. Eradicate troglodyte practices like high-handedness among prefects.
Support a strong religious culture like chapel gatherings and weekend challenges.
Establish a strong guidance and counselling department, student leadership – student council, peer counselling, subject coordinators and class career representatives. Use the gift of the gab to simplify and demystify school policies.
The principal must come up with well-thought-out strategies of mobilising resources.
Money dropped in the school coffers either as fee or as government capitation must be spent wisely. Involve the alumni in various school projects. Explore income generating activities.
The reviewer works closely with principals of schools. director@godspenconsultancy.co.ke
