The Role of Deputy Head Teacher

THE ROLE OF DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER IN A PRIMARY SCHOOL

By Alfred Simukoko

Many people have had the opportunity to be appointed as deputy head teachers. However, they are really wondering what their roles are in a school. In Zambian schools, especially primary, most deputy head teachers are  unawarer of their duties. They wonder whether a particular duty is for the Head, deputy or senior teacher. Here are the duties and responsibilities of the deputy Head teacher, especially in Zambian situation.

JOB PURPOSE

The Job purpose of the deputy head teacher in Zambia is to coordinate effectively the development and implementation of administrative and academic programmes in order to facilitate the delivery of quality education.

The roles of the deputy head include, but not limited to the following:
1. ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
i) Supervises effectively the implementation of all planned academic school programmes in order to enhance delivery of quality education.
ii) Teaching any class when the class teacher is absent, late or sick.
iii) Preparation of time table,
Managing latest developments in relevant courses, subject associations, unions, syllabus etc.
iv) Assist the head teacher in allocating teachers to classes  and duties
v) Checking teacher preparation files and pupils’ note books.
vi) Check correct usage and storage of teaching and learning materials.
vii) Lesson observation.
2. SUPERVISION OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
i) Supervises and links effectively all school staff and pupils in order to attain intended goals.
ii) Supervises senior teachers (Heads of Department in secondary schools), Sports, PMS, PU, SHN, Clubs.
iii) Disciplinary-staff and pupils.
iv) Vice Secretary of PTA, hence takes notes in meetings.
v) Addresses pupils during assemblies, open days, prize giving ceremonies, sports days etc.
vi) Links between the teachers and the Headteacher.
vii) Supervises the teachers on duty.
viii) Supervises auxiliary workers and prefects.
ix) Ensures that all school systems work effectively
x. Works out an efficient punishment system in the school. xi,) Issues permissions to pupils.
3. PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
i) Co-ordinates and supervises effectively the maintenance of the school infrastructure in order to create a conducive learning environment.
ii) Supervises the constructions, maintenance and rehabilitation of infrastructure, equipment, furniture, water and sanitation points.
NB. The  depty head teacher performs any other duties as the headteacher may direct from time to time.
4. RECORD KEEPING
ia) Keep up to date records in order to ensure availability of related information and documents for planning and reference purposes
ib) Prepares monthly returns  of pupils attendance.
ii) Checks on attendance registers.
iii) Secures examination results and analysis.
iv) keeps report forms and mark schedules
v) Makes the Duty rota
vi) Gives Local permission to teachers.
vii) Works on statistics e.g. enrolment, OVCs, furniture, equipment, staff, clubs, school inventory, and do forth.
vii) Keeps record of teacher and pupil discipline
Viii) Deals with  transfers issues for both staff and pupils.
ix) Draft speeches for special occasions, such as open and prize giving days.
x) Compile staff returns.
xi) Allocates new pupils to classes.
xii) To perform any other duties as the Headteacher may direct from time to time.
          I hope this piece was helpful.