In schools, there is usually a person in charge of the students, staff, and day-to-day operations. In America, this role if commonly fulfilled by a school’s principal. In some schools, especially private schools, the person in charge is known as a headmaster or a headmistress. The headmaster of a school performs the same duties as a school principal. They are responsible for supervising staff, building relationships with students, monitoring a school’s disciplinary codes and perform administrative duties.

Administrative Duties

One of the biggest concerns of the school headmaster are school administrative duties. According to the Education Portal website, the headmaster is responsible for the day to day operations of a school. They must coordinate with the school’s governing board, superintendent, and Board of Education to determine that a school is meeting its required educational standards. Headmasters are responsible for developing new academic and interscholastic programs, seeking and securing funding for those programs and tracking data related to the success of such programs. In addition to tracking a school’s educational performance, the headmaster must also evaluate a school’s adherence to civil and health codes.

Fostering Relationships

According to the Careers.org website, headmasters are also responsible for building and fostering relationships within the school. They must communicate clearly and effectively with school staff, vendors, students, and parents. Fostering positive relationships with staff, students, and parents helps the headmaster gain the respect necessary to keep a school running. They are also able the better handle problems when they arise because people know the headmaster has the best interest of the school and students.

Supervisory Roles

While a headmaster typically has to report to a governing educational board, within the school walls they are the authority. The headmaster is responsible for supervising the school’s staff and students. They are tasked with enforcing school disciplinary roles, codes of ethics, and preventing potential safety violations. Working with students and staff, the headmaster should create the most effective educational environment possible. Headmasters must interview, train and coach all staff members including everyone from custodians to teachers. Additionally, they are responsible for recognizing and seeking treatment for students with behavioral or learning complications.