School leadership which can also be referred to as educational leadership is simply the vision, skills, and guiding capabilities that head teachers need to have for smooth running of the school. The head teachers should understand the need of providing information that encourages not only the students but also the teachers and other supporting staff in the school. This paper therefore examines the main characteristics which the head teacher should possess to ensure good management of the school and also to provide an enabling learning environment for the students.
School leadership refers to the act of directing and guiding pupils, teachers and parents in order to achieve common educational goals. The United States also relates this term with the concept of educational leadership.
According to the House of Commons (1998), there is a very high chance of correlation between the actions of the principal and achievement of the students in the school. Methods of leadership usually vary but this is less important than the impact, effectiveness and fitness for the purpose. Most leaders often use a variety of styles on a regular basis, wanting to fit each to the purpose of the activity. Moreover, most people agree that the work of the principal is very demanding which also needs to be undertaken very well. As noted by the House of Commons (1998), highly effective head teachers were the highest performing leaders compared to other people in their various ranks both in public and private sector organizations. Principals also play an important role in setting positive direction for schools and better learning environment for students.
According to Leithhood et al. (2004), there is a growing consensus regarding the knowledge and skills commonly found among effective principals. This consensus is increasingly seen in preparation and licensing requirements, which usually subscribe to a set of common expectations of school...