Challenges and Solutions in Educational Leadership

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Explore the evolving landscape of teaching since 2015, delving into the factors that have increased demands and stress on educators. From policy changes to workload management, discover potential solutions at the local and national levels to enhance job satisfaction and reduce stress in teaching roles like administrative principals and teaching principals.

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Michelle Keane Chairperson INTO Principals and Deputy Principals Committee

Workshop Workshop In what respects more demanding or stressful since 2015? What factors have made teaching more demanding/stressful? How has the climate of teaching changed, with references to various policy changes? What kinds of policy changes have impacted on the climate of teaching? How can stress/work load be improved in ways that enhance job satisfaction? What kind of initiatives would be likely to increase job satisfaction and make teaching less stressful? What opportunity is required for teachers to plan and how can the system respond?

Solutions Solutions Local / school level National / policy level

Workshops Workshops 2019 2019 Administrative Principals Teaching Principals Principals in special Schools with Special Classes Principals and Deputies in Northern Ireland Deputy Principals Class teachers SEN teachers

Administrative Principals Administrative Principals ISSUES 1. 2. 3. BOM structure not fit for purpose Lack of time to lead learning Lack of posts Demands for policies Child protection and GDPR No downtime Lack of meaningful supports HR Demands Buildings/17 infrastructure SEN Documentation/Paperwork

Administrative Principals Administrative Principals TOWARDS SOLUTIONS System Templates to accompany circulars Central HR support SEN management post Cluster schools for IT support Restore POR Centralised system for school buildings Placement of children with SEN to be tracked and reviewed More special school places Centralised system for finance support Local Sharing school policies Shared IT person between schools Special class for pupils with EBD

Teaching Principals Teaching Principals ISSUES 1. 2. 3. Buildings Challenging Behaviour Managing staff more than teachers (HR) Lack of time Lack of substitution Expectations of inspectors BOM issues Child Protection Unplanned interruptions Initiatives Legislative changes - demands Balancing roles Teaching/Admin SEN Paperwork/Documentation

Teaching Principals Teaching Principals TOWARDS SOLUTIONS Local Cluster meetings of principals (support) Delegation BOM responsible for finances PDST advisors Clusters for release days Say NO Committed and supportive staff Good ISM team System Minimum 1 release day per week Re-evaluation of BOM system Slow down pace of change Centralised advise re GDPR/Child Protection Consistent standard from DES Inspectors Joined up thinking re paperwork and SEN Full-time trained secretary paid by DES More centralised approach to arranging clusters Proper funding Support for SEN teachers, SNAs, facilities, withdrawal rooms, SLT, OT, Psychological Support for Travellers, EAL, homeless, direct provision

Special Schools/Classes Special Schools/Classes ISSUES Lack of coordination between services/agencies supporting schools Discipline/Challenging Behaviour Staffing issues (HR) teachers, SNAs, escorts Documentation/Paperwork Policies and Initiatives Sub shortage Lack of places for children with ASD Health and Safety Non-acceptance of teachers reports Non-recognition of all staff for purposes of remuneration Inadequate buildings Lack of resources Lack of multi-disciplinary supports Inappropriate curriculum

Special Schools/Classes Special Schools/Classes TOWARDS SOLUTIONS Local Behaviour Support Plans for children with challenging behaviour Lobby TDs for support Meeting parents and listening to their concerns Use Employment Assistance Scheme Appropriate training/CPD for staff Risk assessments Referring for multi-disciplinary support Creating positive environments System More resources, without unnecessary paperwork Therapy services SLT, OTs Social workers to support families Coordinated pathway for children with SEN placement, services, resources. Improved ratios for children with severe disabilities / Autism Joined up thinking between DES and HSE Admin PO in all special schools Admin DPO in larger schools Accepting principals and teachers professional judgement Adequate training/CPD for all new teachers Dedicated time for planning Adequate provision of places Pay should reflect number of staff Adequate funding

Deputy Principals Deputy Principals ISSUES 1. Balancing teaching and admin 2. Paperwork 3. SEN Curriculum and initiative overload Lack of subs Reduction in POR Keeping up to date with policy change Attitudes to role pupils, colleagues, parents Expectations of colleagues Demanding parents

Deputy Principals Deputy Principals TOWARDS SOLUTIONS System Information from one source only Clear messaging Templates for plans One initiative per year/reduction in initiative More SEN teachers More non-teaching time to DP duties More autonomy to allocate teachers Faster processing of applications Reduce threshold to appoint admin DPs Official monthly planning time More POR Local Prioritising at local level More specialisation among teachers Time for collaborative meetings Good relationships at school level Using Croke Park hours

Northern Ireland Northern Ireland ISSUES Workload at crisis level ETI Budget pressures Managing finances Lack of support from DE/Education Authority Isolation of principals Brexit Dealing with societal problems Dealing with special needs Health issues for principals

Northern Ireland Northern Ireland TOWARDS SOLUTIONS Local cluster groups of principals (INTO) Network of leadership advisors (INTO Essential school task list (INTO) Templates for School Development Plans (INTO) Leadership training and professional development - CPD (INTO) More supportive inspection process Freeze on all new initiatives Increase in funding salaries independent of school budget Proper consultation Cross border joint planning HR support Teacher well-being