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Thursday, June 24, 2010
More interest
ONE in four primary schools in the last two years did not have a permanent appointed principal.
In the last six months, 15 schools needed to advertise for a principal at least twice, and many of these schools are still operating with only an acting principal.
Schools in Kerry, Clare and Galway have recently advertised principalship vacancies for the third time, according to figures released from EducationPosts. ie. Boards of management are finding it increasingly difficult to attract high-calibre replacements.
There is a solution to this problem. The Department of Education and Skills must move to create a seven-year contract for primary school principals with an option to renew, pending satisfactory performance.
This will lead to a greater level of interest among teachers, as it will dispel the notion that becoming a principal is the beginning of a lifelong sentence.
While poor level of remuneration is one reason why teachers are shunning the role of principal, research shows that most teachers aspire towards the position because they want to make a real difference to children’s’ lives.
However, constraints such as lack of autonomy, the dual role of teacher and manager, volume of legislation and a huge increase in workload are making this once sought after position highly unattractive.
Pat Goff
President
Irish Primary Principals’ Network
Submitted by email
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