School leadership development programme underway in Kohima

DIMAPUR — The seventh batch of School Leadership Development Programme (SLDP), in collaboration with the NECTAR project, for over 50 school heads commenced at SCERT, Kohima, on Tuesday.

According to an update, the one-month certificate programme will focus on seven key areas: Perspective on school leadership, developing self, transforming teaching-learning process, building and leading teams, leading innovations, leading partnership, and initiatives in school education.

In her address at the inaugural programme, Commissioner & Secretary of School Education & SCERT, Kevileno Angami, stressed that the SLDP is mandatory for all school heads as it will be essential during the consideration of promotions.

She urged the school heads to encourage their colleagues to diligently use the SMILE app and ensure that teaching-learning transactions occur in the classroom.

She also motivated them to be committed to nurturing the students and their future.

Director of School Education, Razouseyi Vese, lauded the senior school heads’ enthusiasm for enhancing their leadership skills and improving their schools.

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He emphasised the pivotal role school heads play in a school's success and encouraged them to keep learning to excel in their responsibilities.

T Lima Longkumer, Additional Director & Cell Head, SIEMAT, SLA, SCERT, in the welcome address, informed that schools in the 21st century must possess three qualities to flourish: teachers that are confident in their teaching ability, teachers that are willing to innovate, and strong school leaders that build confidence of colleagues and students.

He also encouraged the school leaders to help students acquire competency in the four C’s of 21st century skills, namely, communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.

Nellayappan B, Deputy Director, stated that the role of a school head had evolved from being a relaxed position to a highly responsible and demanding one, requiring technological skills and other expectations.

He encouraged the attendees to be approachable and share their experiences and expertise with colleagues to benefit more people.

Aishwarya Santhosh, Programme Manager, P3 Consortium NECTAR, shared that despite facing challenges at school, it is important to ask oneself, “Why am I here in this school?” to become a more effective school leader.

She also stated that the ‘Nagaland School Leadership Award’ is being developed to recognise and appreciate outstanding leaders.

Earlier, Benjungdenla Yaden, Reader, SCERT, stated that training for six batches of SLDP had been completed, and with the conclusion of the seventh batch on August 29 next, no school head in Nagaland will be left untrained.

She also mentioned that after the training concludes, an evidence-based study will be conducted to guide future interventions.