u/DryManufacturer956

(Throw away account for obvious reasons)

I don't want to do an AMA because you have to set it for a short time, reply regularly, and even add a selfie. However, I am happy to answer any questions teachers may have. I often read this subreddit and wonder if a perspective from a current Head would help.

So that I may speak freely, remain anonymous, and not get into issues of speaking on behalf of my school, I won't share which country I am in, but I can share:

1. I grew up in one country with a native parent and an immigrant parent.
2. I have been at my school for more than a decade and worked my way 'up' from a teacher to the Head. (I always use 'up' carefully as I don't like the idea of leadership being seen differently from teachers, but it makes sense as a term). I believe school leaders should remain teachers.
3. I joined the school with two years of experience in my home country, some years in Asia and two years in another country (anything more risks identification). All three of my international schools were top-tier. I teach an 'in-demand' secondary school subject. I still teach one class.
4. I am not the most articulate staff member, I am not the best teacher, and I did not have an exemplary academic record. It was not bad, but I did not attend a world-class elite college/univeristy. I don't write all that well, as you can see here. I am told I have a good sense of humour. It has occasionally got me into trouble. This happens rarely now, as I have been in schools for over 20 years.
5. I am hard-working, good at solving problems and generally sensible. I think my colleagues appreciate my sense of humour and trust me. However, everyone knows not to always let their boss know what they really think of them.
6. I teach one IB Diploma class (and some years I do IB MYP instead). My lessons are sometimes woefully underprepared - I can leave a lesson needing to have a stern word with myself about the quality of my teaching. However, I work hard to prioritise my one class. The students like being taught by the Head, but have nobody to complain to.
7. I am married and have kids who attend the school on a bursary. Leadership and teachers receive the same tuition relief allowance. They don't moan too much about having a parent at the school, but I work hard to remind them of their privilege. Neither of them is exceptional behaviourally or academically. They are average to good in both a school with strong student behaviour and excellent academic results.

Edit 1 . to remove a typo.

Edit 2 - I will get to all the messages - it may take some time.