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Optimism and visions: The importance of headteachers

Words by Smiley Team

“The modern headteacher in a primary school knows the importance of relationships – relationships are the foundation of everything at school.”

Those are the words of Rae Snape, the headteacher of a primary school in Cambridge, a Smiley Talks ambassador and, most recently, the author of ‘The Headteacher’s Handbook’. Rae has been teaching since 1994, and started her first headship in 2007. Her debut book covers the importance of being a headteacher, and how it contributes to quality education for kids.

Being a headteacher is a journey, says Rae, and as much as it’s a journey through time, it’s also a journey into people's consciousness of what it means to be a leader. “I think about education probably 99% of the time!” she tells Smiley News. “It’s my profession, my obsession, my passion, and my pastime. It really is my hobby.”

[Read More: What's the point of education?]

Rae finished her first headship in December 2019, and started her second in January 2020. The book is a reflection of her first experience as a headteacher and what she learned through that process.

“When I got to that school, I opened the door and said, ‘the previous headteacher took the manual with him!’,” says Rae. “You don’t know how to be a headteacher, so the aim of this book is to be the manual. I’ve literally created it so it takes you through those first steps – and it includes 40 incredible contributions from leaders in their field.”

The book covers the theoretical stuff, balanced with the the pragmatic, practical advice, such as how to reassure irate parents or manage complaints. 

The important work of a headteacher

“Being a headteacher is like an iceberg,” says Rae. “What a headteacher does only looks like 10% of what they’re really doing.” She had no idea of what being one involved until she became one, but she wants to educate people at how important the role is."

You're trying to make the most transformational experience for your children as a headteacher, she says, as well as for your staff and the environment. Optimism is one of the key values you need to hold, adds Rae. “There are brighter days ahead, and you are a part of making those brighter days.”

“One of the most important things about being a headteacher is being humble,” she says. "You don’t know everything, you learn within your community and others.”

[Read More: Heroic teacher delivers 10k meals to pupils by foot]

The headteacher is the one who communicates the values and vision of the school – and how people feel. Whether the teachers are happy, for example, says Rae, as well as creating the optimal conditions for learning and wellbeing. 

“I want my colleagues to feel a positive sense of identity and belonging,” she adds. “They should feel valued when they come to school. 

“If we don’t look after the people who look after the children, who is going to look after the children? I feel like my job is to be the teacher of the teachers and I’m creating the optimal learning experience for them to flourish so they can give that back to the children.”

You can buy Rae’s book on Amazon.

This article aligns with the following UN SDGs

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