Diary of a headteacher: Should headteachers teach?

This week I have been reflecting on our timetable for next year and the number of lessons my senior leadership team will teach. 

I have always felt that in all aspects of our roles, senior leadership team members should lead by example and this starts with teaching. However, there is unquestionably a balance to strike in ensuring senior leaders teach an appropriate number of lessons so that they have sufficient time to successfully focus on their substantive leadership responsibilities while being able to practise what they preach in the classroom.

I have been impressed that our timetable is almost completed – this is much earlier than I have experienced in other schools. I know I will be dealing with a few curveballs as we move towards the teacher resignation deadlines, however I am confident that we have our staffing model secured to meet the needs of the curriculum we are offering.