“TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE” AN EXAMINATION AND ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL IN IRISH PRIMARY SCHOOLS TERRY ALLEN

“There is a lot of pressure on the deputy because you felt you had to be there all the time in case the principal was missing.” (LSI) “The principal is at ‘front line’ in dealing with parent’s outside agencies, staff relations. Ultimate responsibility lies with her.”(DP4) “It’s a very subtle thing. But they see you in a different light.” (DP5)

“You are now management as I’m constantly reminded.” (DP9) “I miss being one of the Indians.” (DP6) “Principals are now getting so much of an onerous load that they are ‘wising up’ to shifting some of it.” (PA)

RESEARCH – OBJECTIVES 1.Ascertain and categorise the nature of the assistance. 2.The extent and context of this assistance. 3. Facilitating the enhancement of the Role of Deputy.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 4. Investigate policies and practices with regard to recruitment and training. 5. Survey best practice around integrating teaching and exercising the Role of Deputy. 6. Impact of school size, type and leadership style of the principal.

RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE 1.Your Present School. 2.Yourself 3.Job Analysis 4.Role Analysis

CONCLUSION 1. There is an emerging and evolving leadership role in the nature of the assistance given by deputies to principals.

CONCLUSION 2. This role has evolved without any professional guidance direction and clarification. “…that’s where it’s left open…and it’s down then to the individual as to how these responsibilities are carried out” (DP6)

CONCLUSION The role will either be as effective or ineffective as those in the role choose to make it. The interpretation of the role is dependant on good relationships and the leadership style of the principal resulting in huge variations between schools.

CONCLUSION 3. Principals and Deputies were mutually supportive of each other. “We are respectful of each others ideas and beliefs yet free enough to disagree on occasion.” (DP4) “I can honestly say that she has saved my skin a couple of times.” (PA) “She’s great at calming me down if there’s a situation going awry.” (PE)

CONCLUSION 4. CONSTRAINTS 1. Time 2. Role Combination 3. Class Allocation 4. Lack of In-Service “Class gets priority from 9.20 to 3.” (DP6) “I don’t get to see my deputy because she’s teaching all the time.” (PA)

CONCLUSION 5. The Leadership Role of the Deputy is qualified by the fact that it is expressed in the form of a shared but not ultimate responsibility. “The buck stops with the principal.” (DP2, 9) “He (sic) makes the final decision.” (DP1) “….the authority of the deputy can be a delicate balance.” (DP3)

CONCLUSION 6. Complex legislative, curricular, societal, organisational and other changes have impacted on the emergence and evolution of the role. “The emphasis is on paperwork. I make sure policies are in place that adhere to legislation making everyone aware that these must be done.” (DP5)

CONCLUSION 7. The introduction of the Primary Curriculum has introduced an Instructional or teacher leader focus to the deputy’s role. “Hugely, as I am responsible for the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the plean scoile.” (DP5)

CONCLUSION 8. Size and Type of School Do Matter. One size fits all is too inflexible. 9. Most Deputies willing to take ownership of role and view it in terms of accountability. 10. Similar and Shared Roles.

CONCLUSION 11. Key Areas of Leadership Responsibility for Deputies. Human Resource Management Leadership Teaching and Learning Policy Formation Resource Management Administration External Relationships

RECOMMENDATIONS 1.Role Needs Professional Guidance in terms of Role Clarification. 2. Emphasis on Collegial Relationships. Partnership. Teamwork. Delegation. Networking. Critical Relationships.

RECOMMENDATION 3. Joint In-Service Training Suggestions for In-Service training of deputy principals. Staff Relations Self Esteem Practical Organisation Team Work Group Dynamics and Personality Types Updating Legislation and Legal Requirements Dealing with Stress (self and others) Handling Difficult Situations

RECOMMENDATION 4.Provision of Covered Release Time. 5.Circulars and other Documentation to go to both Principal and Deputy. 6.Meritocratic Appointment. 7.Provision of Administrative Deputy for Certain Size Schools.

The Deputy Principal is crucial if the role of the principal is to be effective. Similar and shared rather than separate. Ensures A better chance of a continuous level of Effectiveness Performance Empowerment Sustainability in schools.

TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE