Principal's Roles and Teacher Conflict

Abstract

It was the purpose of this manuscript to delineate for learning disability teachers the major responsibilities principals should exercise and the conflicts that can arise. These major roles and possible conflicts can be divided into three categories. The interpersonal relationship responsibilities of principal discussed were leader, figurehead, and liaison. The information-processing roles described were monitor, disseminator, and spokesperson. The decision-making roles of principal reviewed were change agent, disturbance handler, resource allocator, negotiator and evaluator. As principals go through their day concerning themselves with the physical plant, teachers, staff, students, parents, central office personnel and community individuals, they must assume one or more of the above roles. When principals exercise their responsibilities and work with their learning disability specialists, they invariably create tension and conflict. This conflict can be minimized if principals and learning disability teachers understand and accept the roles of the principal and work together. Effective principal and learning disability teacher relationships will promote overall job satisfaction and positive student achievement.