The Art of School Principal Leadership: Creating a Quality School

The role of the school principal is a key factor in the development of quality education. School principal must be able to motivate and develop the professional capabilities of the teachers. During the training of national facilitators in Medan in October 2009 two school principals, who have successfully implemented innovations in their schools, were invited to give presentations. Below are the stories from these resource persons on ‘how to be a successful school principal.’

sucess photo

Left: Drs. Yusran Adnin, MA. Right: Drs. H. Adi Mutia, M.PD

Drs. H. Adi Mutia, M.Pd, School Principal of SMPN 2 Lubuk Pakam, Deli Serdang

  • We adopt a family approach in our school
  • At the beginning of the school year we all discuss the program that we are going to implement during the rest of the school year
  • I do clinical supervision of the teachers every term
  • I don’t just ask my teachers to implement innovations in class. I do them myself as well
  • From time to time we hold a meeting with the school committee and former students
Drs. Yusran Adnin, MA, School Principal of MTs Negeri Binjai As school principal I am always present 20 minutes before lessons begin in the morning and walk around the school monitoring activities. How to motivate teachers:
  • I examine their lesson plans and syllabi and say things such as, “…. I am sure you can do it!!”
  • I value the work teachers display with words of praise such as, “… You have done an excellent job…!!!”
  • I value the teachers’ achievements, give them praise and rewards and refrain from making negative judgments.
  • I give them advice on using relevant teaching methods.
  • I point out any mistakes tactfully, “… What you’re doing is good, but I’d like to give you some advice.”
  • I give the opportunity to teachers to share their problems and discuss and solve them individually and collectively.
  • When teachers break the rules I speak with them privately face to face in my office.
  • I provide all the facilities the teachers need for the teachers working group (MGMP).
How to develop cooperation with the teachers and the community:
  • I eat together with the teachers in the meeting room.
  • I buy snacks for the teachers with my own money and encourage the teachers to take turns in bringing in snacks.
  • I invite the community to join in religious ceremonies and be our moral bodyguard.

There are some positive changes happening after these two principals implemented innovations in motivating their teachers to be more professional. For sure, there is more intense communication among principals, teachers, school committee and other stakeholders. This results in the improvement of education quality. Both principals are aware of this. They have done it.