Competencies of a school manager

Excellent submission. Especially the conflict resolution skill you highlighted… Well done sir

These are really good qualities mentioned above.
Some here I thought are also important as a manager:
Be sensitive and empathetic- since you are the link between so many stakeholders and students come from many different socio economic back ground and being able to listen and understand the issue may make you more approachable and kind hearted.
As a leader, being visible is critical as it allows you direct access to relate to issues and problem which may arise. When you are locked behind an office and not seen on the corridors of an institution, and then not interacting with staff, students, parents and other stakeholders can make you not approachable and accessible.

The manager/principal is the link between teachers, students, parents and the community.
Principals need to manage these areas- class schedules, curriculum delivery, evaluate teacher performance, school budget, indiscipline of students and carry out Ministry policies.
Competencies a manager should have-

  1. Good leadership skills- strong leader so that students, staff and parents respect and listen to you.
    2.Technology skills and willing to upskill- IT skills are so important and training in new technology is so critical to function in your role
    3.Be decisive- confidence in the ability to lead; issues will be solved quickly
  2. Problem solver- being able to identify a problem is good but finding innovative solutions to problems will be an asset to a manager
    5.Being able to prioritize- Issues will arise during the day but it is essential to distinguish what is important and critical
    6.Delegate responsibilities- since the job has many responsibilities that it can be overwhelming, having the ability to give competent persons the task is important
  3. Good communicator and listener- keeping persons up to date with information, and bring that information in a simple manner to all stakeholders, it must be relevant and pertinent to all stakeholders to keep all persons aware of what is happening not guessing what is happening. Then it may give rise to misinformation or disinformation.
  4. Open to change- having the ability to adapt and change is important
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The school principal should be competent enough to make sound decisions. Principal should be able to wisely implement the policy made and be able to identify the problems arising in the school. He should be able to address those issues professionally and diligently. He should find the solution to the issues raised. If need be the principal should inform the management of the problem and request for policies to be made to combat the issue if their is no policy for those problems.

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Should have skills in:

  • School administration and management
  • Education knowledge
  • Financial management
  • Public relations
  • Resource mobilization
  • Leadership
  • Organization skills
  • Planning skills
  • Project implementation process
  • Goal setting
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I think a manager of an open school should have a combination of educational, leadership, communication, technology, problem-solving, interpersonal, cultural competence, and flexibility skills to effectively manage the school and support the success of its students.

Because there are so many chains of command in the education system, a principal has to get permission for certain activities before it is done so this makes it at times cumbersome to be effective and efficient. The management can come up with plan to deal with issues as they arise but again they are mandated to get approvals before anything can be done. Bureaucratic processes also are a keep back for many institutions. Paper work and data can be difficult to organize since digitalizing the process is still being done.

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Competencies of a school manger

  1. Should be able to Manage budgets, logistics and events or meetings.
  2. Be able to Handle scheduling, record-keeping and reporting.
  3. Ensures the school complies with relevant laws and regulations.
  4. Hire, train and advise staff.
  5. Counsel students when needed.
  6. Resolve conflicts and other issues.
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True , These skills are vital for a school manager

Certainly! Here are the competencies of a school manager:

1. Leadership: A school manager should possess strong leadership skills to guide and inspire the school community. They should provide a clear vision, set goals, and motivate teachers, staff, and students towards achieving excellence.

2. Communication: Effective communication is essential for a school manager. They should be able to communicate clearly and listen actively to understand the needs and concerns of stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and students.

3. Educational Expertise: A school manager should have a deep understanding of educational principles, curriculum development, and instructional strategies. They should stay updated on current research and best practices to support teachers in delivering quality education.

4. Administrative Skills: Strong administrative skills are necessary to manage the day-to-day operations of a school. This includes budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.

5. Relationship Building: A school manager should build positive relationships with teachers, staff, parents, and the wider community. They should be approachable, empathetic, and able to collaborate effectively to create a supportive learning environment.

6. Problem-Solving: School managers face various challenges and should be skilled at identifying problems, analyzing situations, and finding creative solutions. They should be proactive in addressing issues and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

7. Strategic Planning: A school manager should develop and implement strategic plans that align with the school’s mission and vision. They should set clear objectives, monitor progress, and adjust strategies as needed to ensure long-term success.

8. Emotional Intelligence: Having emotional intelligence allows a school manager to understand and manage their own emotions and empathize with others. This helps in resolving conflicts, supporting staff and students, and promoting a positive school culture.

9. Decision Making: School managers should make informed decisions based on data, research, and input from stakeholders. They should consider the impact on students, staff, and the overall school community when making important choices.

10. Professional Development: A school manager should be committed to their own professional growth and encourage professional development opportunities for teachers and staff. This helps keep the school up-to-date with current educational trends.

These competencies enable a school manager to effectively lead and manage a school, create a conducive learning environment, and ensure the success and well-being of students, teachers, and staff.

Managers or principals of open schools should possess competencies in educational leadership, program development, and distance education. They should also excel in communication, adaptability, technology integration, and understanding the diverse needs of non-traditional learners. Strong organizational and strategic planning skills are vital for the successful operation of open schools.

The manager or principal of an open school should possess a diverse set of competencies to effectively lead and oversee the institution. Here are some key competencies that are crucial for this role:

  1. Educational Leadership: The manager should have a strong background in education and pedagogy. They must understand the principles of teaching and learning, curriculum development, and educational trends.
  2. Vision and Strategic Planning: Developing a clear vision for the open school and the ability to create strategic plans to achieve that vision are essential. The manager should set goals and directions for the institution.
  3. Adaptability and Innovation: Open schools often rely on innovative approaches. The manager should be open to new ideas and technologies, and be able to adapt to changing educational landscapes.
  4. Policy and Regulation Knowledge: Understanding educational policies, regulations, and compliance requirements is crucial to ensure that the open school operates within the legal framework.
  5. Student-Centered Approach: A focus on student needs and success is paramount. The manager should prioritize student well-being, engagement, and academic achievement.
  6. Resource Management: Competency in budgeting, resource allocation, and financial management is necessary to ensure the open school’s sustainability and effectiveness.
  7. Technology Integration: Proficiency in educational technology and e-learning tools is important, as open schools often rely on digital resources and online learning platforms.
  8. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication skills are crucial for building positive relationships with staff, students, parents, and external stakeholders. Collaboration with various partners, including other educational institutions and organizations, is often necessary.
  9. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: The ability to analyze complex issues, make informed decisions, and address challenges is essential for effective school management.
  10. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Competency in data analysis and assessment is valuable for making evidence-based decisions and tracking student progress.
  11. Cultural Sensitivity: Open schools often serve diverse student populations. The manager should be culturally sensitive and inclusive, respecting and valuing diversity.
  12. Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing self-improvement and a culture of continuous improvement within the school are important for staying up-to-date with best practices.
  13. Community Engagement: Building positive relationships with the local community, parents, and other stakeholders is important for the school’s success.
  14. Ethical Leadership: The manager should lead with integrity and model ethical behavior for students and staff.
  15. Crisis Management: Being prepared to handle crises, emergencies, or unexpected situations is a key competency for ensuring the safety and well-being of the school community.

A good manager/principal should be very efficient and effective with task management. This individual should have excellent people skills in order to manage well. They also need to have financial management skills or at least knowledge in this area. They also need to be aware of policies that govern the institution in order to not transgress these.

Competencies should the manager/principal of an open school

  1. Management skills
  2. Communication skills
  3. Motivational skills
  4. Interpersonal skills

The competencies that are school manager/principal should have the following:

  1. able to manage a school-management skills
  2. posses sound knowledge of open learning
  3. sound knowledge on policy interpretation
  4. sound knowledge in quality assurance of ODFL
  5. Team player
  6. Innovative

The following are some of the competencies that managers/principles should posses:

  1. Robust interpersonal communication skills

  2. Capacity to lead and motivate others

  3. Excellent written communication skills

  4. An honest, ethical mindset toward business

  5. Exceptional problem-solving skills

  6. Ability to see and develop potential

  7. Capacity for strategic planning

  8. A creative, innovative spirit

  9. Strong conflict resolution skills

  10. Ability to delegate tasks

  11. Valuing and utilizing diversity

well articulated. Thank you for sharing.

The manager for the school must be able to plan, direct and control resources to achieve the school’s overall vision. Setting clearly defined goals, managers may help to motivate employees to achieve success and provide mentoring for growth.

Yes the manager of a school is like any other manager and must possese the qualities you have outlinf