From the President: Our school leaders deserve our recognition, appreciation and support
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128, 25 August 2023, page no.7
As members of the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU), we must recognise the vital role school leaders play, acknowledge the impact on their wellbeing, and unite to create a stronger educational ecosystem. We should also recognise the collective responsibility we all have as we go about our daily work.
School leaders, who as we know include deputies, HOSES, HODs, HODCs and the range of middle leaders as well as principals, are the architects of seemingly endless change in our educational institutions. Their strategic vision sets the course for curriculum development, student engagement, and overall school improvement. Through their leadership, they inspire teachers, motivate students, and build a culture of collaboration that elevates education in Queensland.
We know that there are also additional pressures that specifically fall on the shoulders of the school leader. These include, but are definitely not limited to, HR, workplace health and safety, budgeting, working with whole school communities, managing and responding to occupational violence and student behaviour, and finding their way through myriads of surveys and soft policy launches. They are leaders of schools as physical workplaces, as well as communities of diverse people. Our school leaders hold many delegated and accepted responsibilities.
School leaders face the challenge familiar to all educators: trying to balance the strain of their responsibilities with the quest for sustainable wellbeing. The myriad tasks they juggle – from administrative duties to fostering a positive school environment – weigh heavily on their shoulders. The pressure to meet academic benchmarks, navigate bureaucratic demands, and ensure student success can erode their personal time and sense of balance.
The phrase “meat in the sandwich” aptly captures the position school leaders often find themselves in – caught between the expectations of government and departmental policies and the daily realities of the classroom and schools. They interpret and implement educational policies, ensuring they align with the diverse needs of students and teachers. This requires finesse, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the educational landscape. It also requires education and support in applying the rules of the certified agreement, and securing the industrial landscape to hold schools as safe workplaces.
The Union, as a steadfast advocate for educators, recognises the unique position of school leaders. QTU’s advocacy seeks to ease the pressures they encounter and amplify their voices in shaping policies that truly benefit Queensland’s education system. By engaging in constructive dialogue and collective action, school leaders can influence decisions that positively impact upon classrooms, students, and educators alike.
Unity and stability lie at the heart of the QTU’s ethos. The collective strength of educators, including school leaders, has the power to shape education in Queensland. By uniting their voices, sharing experiences, and collaborating on solutions, school leaders can create a supportive network that mitigates the isolation often felt in their roles. We know that systems where school leaders are not supported or included as fellow industrial and professional partners see less significant outcomes for all members and lead to divides in systems.
The QTU serves as a vital platform for this unity. Through workshops, conferences, and forums, school leaders can connect with peers, exchange insights, and pool their expertise. We support our school leaders through school leader forums, Principal Union Reps, the Education Leaders Committee, quarterly meetings with principal associations, and specific communications sent to our school leaders to educate, support and disseminate information. As we work together to reduce workload as we should all have the ability to do, we can determine collectively the work worth doing that adds value to the day-to-day experiences. By standing together and with their Union, school leaders not only navigate the challenges more effectively but also amplify their impact on policies and decisions that affect the entire state education system.
The work of school leaders is a jigsaw of dedication, innovation, and resilience. While the challenges they face may be significant, their capacity to overcome adversity and forge unity within our Union is a testament to their strength.
As members of the Queensland Teachers’ Union, we must recognise, appreciate, and support the invaluable contributions of school leaders. By fostering a culture of collaboration, advocating for their wellbeing, and standing united, we empower them to continue their transformative journey in education. Together, we can create an educational landscape that truly reflects our shared vision of excellence, equality, and opportunity for all.