Abstract:
In Ghana there is a perception that female head teachers are not well prepared to deal
with challenges and issues arising from the complexities of institutional management.
This study examined the leadership roles and professional development needs of female
headteachers in junior high schools within the Kumasi metropolis. Using the census
sampling method, all the 40 female head teachers in the Kumasi metropolis were used
for the study. Field data collection was done through the use of open-ended and closedended
questionnaire. The findings revealed that female head teachers identified seven
tasks as their roles; staff monitoring, administration, resource management,
professional leadership, teaching/academics; communication/public relations, and
pastoral (nurturing) duties or responsibilities. The findings further revealed that female
head teachers view staff monitoring as the number one priority, whereas
communication or public relations is viewed as the least priority. It also emerged from
the study that female head teachers needed skills in the following areas: better
management training, direction and leadership from the educational authorities,
mentoring and assistance with appraisal and ICT programmes. Based on the findings
of the study, the study concluded that female head teachers of junior high schools in
Kumasi metropolis are cognizant of their roles and professional development needs and
are active in the acquisition of the skills needed to perform their roles. The study
recommends that educational authorities need to organise professional development
programmes for female headteachers and school leaders in general to enable them
perform their roles effectively and efficiently.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of Educational Leadership, Faculty of
Education and Communication Sciences, submitted to the School of Graduate
Studies, University of Education, Winneba, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for award of the Master of Philosophy (Educational Leadership)
degree