Pushing for a transformative agenda designed to upgrade a struggling school should necessarily begin from a human-centred platform. Anything short of this approach may achieve short-term gains and not necessarily accomplish a much more desired sustainable culture of high student performance. When treated humanely, accorded the honour and respect they rightfully deserve as people, the teachers can unleash their best selves and literally perform wonders like machines. I have had the experience of witnessing teachers performing with distinction and dedication backbreaking jobs especially those related to core curricular activities. Everything depends on the right school climate and this suitable climate can be created. The creation of the necessary enabling environment is primarily a function of good school governance. School principals have a principal duty to provide a positive administrative climate that inspires their charges to present themselves as 'sacrificial lambs’ in the struggle to alter, in a positive way, the performance trajectory of students.
Those given the privilege and temporary authority to oversee schools should over and above anything remain conscious of the importance of recognising the human element in their professional dealings with their teachers. While deepening and sharpening of classroom pedagogical tools should remain the number one priority of any school, there should be equal emphasis on empathy and love. Every school administration should advance the interests of students without relegating into the background the welfare of those deployed to teach the students. This is the only way through which leaders can extract maximum cooperation and commitment from their troops. Yes, in a school, executive powers are vested in the office of the school principal. The school principal enjoys enormous powers. He or she is the high priest of a school, charged with the responsibilities of ensuring order and discipline, dispensing justice when there are disputes, deployment of staff appropriately and ensuring effective and efficient utilisation of both financial and physical resources. The principal is the hub of a school and the successful execution of the delicate duties associated with the job demands the support of a collective.
