Education Managers and Leaders have a wide range of duties: from overseeing the implementation of programs to providing support to teachers. In this article, we will examine how the same job title has different meanings in the public and the private sector.
Public sector managers play a supporting role to the directors and the policymakers. They are responsible for holding exams and enforcing the rules for the most part along with handling the budget for the school[i].
However, private sector managers and leaders have a holistic role. They work with the teachers to provide a better environment and facilities that enable superior learning. And listen to the needs of the students to make sure they have what they need to be advanced learners inside and outside of the school.
Education Leaders inspire the staff and the students alike. They have a team of professionals to create schedules and manage the finances of the school so that an education manager can focus entirely on the educational aspect of the business.[ii]
A leader’s interactions with others contribute to the overall success of the school. In the public sector, managers and leaders have little control over the syllabus or the school environment since the government has a heavy influence. So they are mostly responsible for administrative tasks.
The private sector on the other hand is not hindered by government policies and bureaucratic politics. Rather, they are more quality-focused because private educational institutions are run by businessmen.
Private sector leaders are properly trained and provided with the resources to adjust to changes. For instance, during the corona pandemic, private-sector educational institutions were the first ones to start online education[iii].
It was not only because of more resources and better technology set up in these schools but also because leaders here are experts in transformational leadership and ‘pedagogical leadership’. These are courses that professionals study in Masters programs and practices, which they continue to apply in their professional lives.
Therefore to qualify for private sector management and leadership positions you generally need advanced degrees and a portfolio.
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Conclusion
Broadly speaking, the job of Education Management and Leadership professionals in both the public and the private sector is the same. But, there are significant differences too, from salaries to job requirements.
If the system revolves around good test scores then that is all the leader will be allowed to work on. It is also within the role of an educational leader to maintain the quality of education in the institution. And to implement relevant advances, whether it is in technology, curriculum, or policy changes in the constitution.[iv]
But the structure provided by the educational institution will have a major influence on the job you can do. That is why the same job title of an education manager or leader has different meanings in the context of a public vs. a private setup.
As mentioned above, a Masters degree is a ticket to high-level jobs. So apply today and earn Masters in Education Management and Leadership from the UK through SNATIKA's online platform. Avail of added benefits like dual academic qualifications, instalment options for fees, and flexible learning.
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[i] https://www.ziprecruiter.com/e/What-Is-an-Education-Manager#:~:text=An%20education%20manager%20oversees%20the,board%20members%2C%20and%20teaching%20staff.
[ii] https://apfstatic.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/The%20Construct%20And%20Scope%20Of%20Educational%20Leadership2011Issue%20XVI.pdf
[iii] https://www.schoolguide.co.uk/blog/state-v-private-the-difference-in-online-learning-during-lockdown
[iv] https://apfstatic.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/The%20Construct%20And%20Scope%20Of%20Educational%20Leadership2011Issue%20XVI.pdf