Principals need to move beyond administration if they want to become leaders in education - Prof. Shameem

The time has come for principals to understand the meaning of leadership, separate from their roles as administrators and managers of the school system.

University of Fiji's Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem highlighted this while speaking during the 131st Fiji Principals Association Conference held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.

Professor Shameem says that school principals should only concentrate on the word ’leadership’ as this will ensure that national education has a decent future.

She says principals may think they are leaders, in reality they may only be bureaucrats delivering policy that others had written, with no control over the content of the policy.

The Vice Chancellor says leaders are those who make policies, lead by example and transform the world.

Professor Shameem says formal qualifications are insufficient to provide the unique and elusive attribute of leadership, the secret of leadership for a principal is to understand how societies and communities function, how education is transformative and understand people irrespective of background, gender or culture, and how best to influence the policy direction of the educational system, especially the curriculum, for the good of all.

According to Professor Shameem, school principals play multiple roles that must work in harmony for effective leadership.

She says these include being a visionary mentor and a capable administrator to understand the rules and procedures essential for running a school efficiently. She stresses the need for principals to be deeply aware of the challenges faced by students.

The Vice Chancellor says that a principal must be able to identify when a student is underperforming and understand the causes.

She says it could be due to ineffective teaching methods, bullying, social issues such as drug use, problems at home, or even learning difficulties like dyslexia, autism or ADHD.

Professor Shameem stresses that students aged 13 to 17 are in their formative years and often deal with a range of complex issues, and therefore, principals must be equipped to respond to these issues.

She hopes that the Fiji Principals Association is guiding its members, advocating for high standards, and supporting effective educational practices across the nation.

She says that the Association must help principals not only to educate effectively but also to understand and respect local cultural protocols and nuances.

The Vice Chancellor adds that discipline and mutual respect are essential in shaping a productive learning environment.

The Fiji Principals Association Conference concludes tomorrow.