AS teachers, our primary goal for our students is to promote learning, inspire them to bring out their best and help them become productive members of the community.
Some teachers are more popular than others among students. These teachers become popular by building good relationships with their students, and by treating them with respect. However, this ideal situation would not be possible without the help and support of all school stakeholders.
Stakeholders are individuals or groups who have an interest or concern for the school. They include parents, school administrators, board members, local government officials, alumni and socio-civic groups who contribute to the development of the school community.
Thus, a healthy relationship between the teachers and stakeholders is important, as this will enable everybody to harmoniously work together, which will have a positive impact on the students.
Parents desire a successful educational system for their children; while the students themselves want to receive good education. It’s easy to imagine the influence the education system has on government officials, like city councilors and district representatives, as voters also base their decision on the way public officials show their support to the school system.
In fact, the community as a whole is the biggest stakeholder in its education system. This is because local schools educate future employees, business owners and community leaders. A solid education program builds a stronger community by preparing students to be successful community members.
Since everyone in a community is a stakeholder in the local education system, every stakeholder plays a different, significant role in supporting the education system.
For example, a stakeholder’s input and relationship with other stakeholders are important in the planning, implementation and evaluation of, say, health promotion and education programs in schools. Their personal perceptions and understanding can help motivate children in the school environment.
Parents, on the other hand, can support and influence the adoption and implementation of a solid school curriculum. In addition, the parents can help monitor and evaluate the implementation of the curriculum by keeping abreast with the performance of their children, particularly by monitoring their homework activities.
Furthermore, the parents can help teachers by monitoring the behavior and social development of their children at home, especially for children with special education needs.
As teachers, we know we are dealing with fragile beings. Adolescence, for example, brings insecurities. Individuals at this age are pulling away from adults. Being accepted by their peers is the key to develop their self-esteem. When children feel good about themselves, it’s much easier to motivate them to become academically proficient.
To fulfill our goals of developing successful students, teachers must work together with school stakeholders in planning and building a school community where children thrive as they enhance their learning capabilities.
The author is Principal II at the Afusing National High School in Alcala, Cagayan.
1 comment
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