A NEW book on Leadership Practice and Work Commitment authored by an Education Program Supervisor in the Department of Education (DepEd) has received remarkable remarks in the field. Dr. Alfeo Budan Ingay wrote this book as a guide for school heads in basic education.
This is timely indeed as leadership and management are vital functions of school heads to reach their goals. As teachers face challenges in terms of maintaining the interest of learners to go to school and innovating their strategies and methods in teaching, the direction of school heads matters.
The author mentioned in his book that the teachers’ morale becomes an important factor for learners to receive the best possible education they can have. An indication of low morale is the lack of enthusiasm among the teachers and, in some cases, this is caused by incompetent leadership of school heads.
This is why he mentioned in the book the changing role of school leadership. The perceptions of people on leadership vary but the primary skills of leaders are constant. They must have technical skills, human skills, and conceptual skills.
Dr. Ingay mentioned five practices of effective leaders which were developed by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. These are modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart.
If only all school heads would find the time to read this book, they will realize that their behaviors, actions, and decisions would greatly affect the performance of teachers. They would either motivate the teachers to perform better or hinder the teachers to create more.
When school heads create standards of excellence and set an example for others to follow, this will become the driving force for teachers to better their performance.
Many school heads in DepEd are respected and recognized for their innovations in their schools. Some of them have strengthened their partnership in the community and private sectors. It is true that the growth and progress of schools depend on how it is managed and led by school heads.
The author has explicitly shared the correlation of the school head’s commitment to teachers’ morale as part of his research. This is a good read for both school heads and teachers.
Dr. Ingay’s work assignment includes helping the establishment of public schools in Davao Region. He has recommended the approval of the establishment and conversion of 409 public elementary schools into integrated schools from 2016 to the present.
An integrated school offers kindergarten, elementary, and junior high school education and has a unified instructional program.
In his first assignment as a supervisor, he focused on Alternative Learning System. This gave him the opportunity to visit schools in far-flung areas and understand their plight. He was then assigned to the Quality Assurance Division where part of his work is to assist private schools in their regulatory requirements for their operations.
As a holistic leader, the author collaborates with school leaders and extends his services in community works and church enrichment activities. He is a member of civic organizations such as Davao City Eagles Club, The Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Philippine Eagle.
During his free time, he would engage himself in planting and cultivation and spends time on his farm. He is married to a medical doctor with one child.