Title: The perceptions of primary education head teachers, deputy head teachers and teachers on the role of deputy head teachers

Authors: Vasiliki Brinia; Maria Mastora; Paraskevi Psoni

Addresses: Teacher Education Program, Athens University of Economics & Business, Patision Street, Athens, PC 10434, Attica, Greece ' Hellenic Open University, Aristotelous Street, Patra, PC 26335, Ahaia, Greece ' Teacher Education Program, Athens University of Economics & Business, Patision Street, Athens, PC 10434, Attica, Greece

Abstract: The aim of this research is to investigate the perceptions of head teachers, deputy head teachers and teachers of primary education in the prefecture of Ioannina, Greece, regarding the role of the deputy head Teacher in a primary school unit. The methodology followed was the qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews. The results of the research indicate that deputy head teachers' role is a key-role for the operation of the school although they face difficulties, because they are charged with the dual role of the educator and the deputy head. All members of the school community have underlined the effectiveness of deputy head teachers' work as well as the need to decrease the deputy head's teaching hours, in order for them to be able to cope with this dual role. The present study is one of the very few conducted on the specific matter; it adds a holistic and in-depth perspective on the role of deputy head teachers and can be proven valuable for measures taken by policy makers worldwide.

Keywords: deputy head teacher; deputy headmaster; assistant principal; dual role in school; school management; primary education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2020.103822

International Journal of Management in Education, 2020 Vol.14 No.1, pp.1 - 17

Received: 04 Oct 2018
Accepted: 31 Dec 2018

Published online: 29 Nov 2019 *

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