Introduction
As well as being teachers, heads of departments are administrators
and managers. They are also mentors, especially for probationary
teachers. Difficulties with classes or individual pupils, and
coping with a complex curriculum can often make life difficult for
a teacher coming to terms with a new job. More positively, teachers
can help with careers guidance, too.
Each major subject area has a head of department and education
services are located in every type of local authority except
district councils.
Work Environment
This is mostly the classroom, though some outside work is common.
There will be meetings to attend, inside and outside of the school.
Depending on the subject specialism, the head may be called upon to
organize field trips. A biology or geography teacher, for example,
could be involved in national and international expeditions, while
a history specialist may arrange visits to museums and historic
sites.
The standard working week is 20 hours class contact time plus a
variable 20 hours administration. As well as standing in front of a
class during the day, a head of department must attend parents'
evenings or, occasionally, meetings at the civic building. He or
she is almost totally driven by deadlines.
Daily Activities
The main task is teaching and marking of work assignments. But the
department head has extra duties: managing teachers, technicians,
handling financial issues such as costs of equipment, field trips
and staffing (supply teachers to fill the gaps left by illness, for
example) and chairing meetings which may amount to two or three a
week.
Education is in a constant state of flux and teachers need to be
guided through the developing demands of a complex
curriculum. In addition to leadership training through
expeditions, for example, a departmental head will be involved in
other special projects such as devising new schemes of work
designed to meet national curriculum criteria. There are local
inspections from schools advisors to prepare for, too. It is up to
the department head to take a lead on these matters.
In the midst of all this managing, heads of department must
avoid the danger of losing sight of the heart of the job - to help
pupils fulfill their potential and prepare them for life, including
achieving the best possible examination results.
Skills & Interests
These qualities are essential:
- administrative and management skills;
- attention to detail;
- project management ability;
- confidence;
- ability to get on with people from many different
backgrounds;
- communication skills;
- problem solving skills;
- a mature and stable temperament;
- caring for young people and believing in their
capabilities.
Entry Requirements
Relevant degree and possibly a post graduate qualification or a
professional teaching qualification. Previous management
experience is not vital, but can help. Continuing
professional development via teaching and management in education
courses is essential.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There is a wide range of opportunity in teaching itself. The
higher up you get the more competitive it becomes. After head of
department, the next jobs are head of faculty and then head
teacher. Generally, people have to move to gain promotion and
experience is a factor in getting a better position. This will
often involve more people management responsibilities. Work
outside local authorities is possible, such as in business,
universities, training institutions, the civil service and the
media.
Further Information & Services
All local education authorities
Teacher Training & Education in Wales www.teachertrainingcymru.org
General Teaching Council for Wales www.gtcw.org.uk
Graduate Teacher Training Registry www.gttr.ac.uk
Education jobs www.eteach.com
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.