http://www.mb.com.ph/node/15825
May 1, 2007, 8:00am
Much of a school’s success evidently rests on its leader’s shoulders. School administrators are in the best position to shape a school. They carry the weight of managing an institution that develops and molds the new generation of learners. These educators must be abreast with current trends and are expected to come up with strategic ideas in leading their respective schools. Effective schools start with an effective school administrator.
A television news program recently asked school administrators and professors from different institutions what they could say about the declining performance of the Philippine school system. As expected, they mentioned insufficient government funding as a factor. Interestingly, only few admitted lack of ideas to run their schools more effectively.
If you were an educator, how would you know if you are still on the right track? How do you make yourself more effective as a school manager? What have you done lately to shape up your leadership style?
Leadership Strategies for School Managers (LESSM), a program for school administrators, principals, academic, coordinators, and department heads, will be held from May 17 to 20 at the Richmonde Hotel in Pasig City. It will feature as lecturers and resource persons the best school administrators and educational trainers from the Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University System, and the University of the Philippines.
Launched in July last year, LESSM has been commended for its unique approach towards educational management. It encompasses critical issues in human resource development, administration and finance, legal management, communication, and leadership taking into consideration the distinct culture of the academic institution. It guides educators to be strategic planners with specific and focused goals.
The LESSM has gained a following for its series of seminars, with participants coming from as far as La Union, Dagupan, Ilocos, Tuguegarao, and Cebu. It has helped hundreds of school administrators in dealing with new trends in education and management.
It tackles innovative approaches to school administration, helping educators improve their methods leading to better output. Bernardo Sta. Rosa, a school administrator from Bulacan, claimed the seminar enlightened him. “We need to reevaluate our school’s direction… After the LESSM, I expect a better school from us, producing better graduates,” he said.
Seasoned administrators find the LESSM very refreshing. Virginia Makil, president of the ASEAN Institute for Research and Technology of the Philippines, attested, “LESSM is in tune with the present school environment. There is a need for presidents and school administrators to update themselves. It is very important to keep learning to be a good leader and administrator.”
Novice administrators likewise appreciate the seminar. Father Lopito Hiteroza of Rizal takes his role as a new school director seriously and seeks ways to improve this leadership. “Nobody dares to mentor me so I decided to attend the LESSM to manage the school well. I know seminars like this will broaden my horizons and help me become more effective,” he said.
This summer is an opportune time for school administrators to enhance their leadership and management skills through a series of seminar-workshops. LESSM will help academicians to stay “fit” for their jobs and be able to wrestle their tasks for the coming school year.
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