An ideal school principal
People who are interested in education speak very often of Dr. Arnold of Eton School as an ideal Headmaster. He was good in every way as a Headmaster. Those who came under his influence became really great and famous. He contributed a lot in the field of education and every student liked to emulate him.
To be an ideal principal, he must be a teacher with all the qualities that go to make a teacher. As such he must be able to teach well and know the subject or subjects he teaches thoroughly. He must have the breadth and depth of educational knowledge. He must be able to put across the subject he teaches clearly and lucidly. He must make the students understand for what he teaches so he has to adopt various methods. He must be well read and thorough and up-to-date. He knows when to mete out punishment and when to approve and appreciate. He must be an artist and must have certain artistic qualities in him. Since students are bound to imitate him in everything he does he must be a role model. He must be able to mingle with the students and at the same time he must keep his respect. He must have wit and humor. He has to be an adviser to the pupils under him.
As a principal he should be a good administrator. He must know about office routine and be able to command the respect of the office staff and teachers. He must have a sound knowledge of the maintenance of the school and its funds.
As a principal he should also be like a public relations man to maintain cordiality with the parents as well as the general public. Like a sage of ancient days he must be able to advise the people on many matters. He must be able to occupy positions in public bodies when offered. He may be capable of guiding the deliberations of public bodies. Without taking sides he should be capable of enlightening the public on many matters. Thus he is an important citizen.
He must be a model for others in everything like the village school master described by Oliver Goldsmith, “How such a small head as his could carry all he knew.”
