Head Teacher vs. Principal: What Are the Differences?

A head teacher and a principal are both leaders within the education field. Though their roles are similar, there are several key differences between the two. If you’re interested in a career in education administration, it’s important to understand the duties and responsibilities of each position. In this article, we compare and contrast the job titles of head teacher and principal, and we provide additional information on other education administration roles.

What is a Head Teacher?

Head Teachers are the leaders and administrators of schools. They are responsible for the overall management of the school, including hiring and supervising faculty and staff, developing and implementing curriculum, and ensuring that the school meets all state and federal regulations. Head Teachers also work with parents and guardians to ensure that students are receiving the best possible education. They may also serve as a liaison between the school and the community. Head Teachers typically have a Master’s degree in Education or a related field, as well as several years of experience working in a school setting.

What is a Principal?

A principal is the head administrator of a school. They are responsible for the overall operation of the school, including ensuring that the school meets all local, state and federal regulations. Principals also develop and implement educational programs, hire and train teachers and staff, and oversee the budget. In some schools, the principal may also teach classes. Principals typically have a master’s degree in education administration or a related field.

Head Teacher vs. Principal

Here are the main differences between a head teacher and a principal.

Job Duties

Both head teachers and principals have similar job duties, such as creating lesson plans for their students, evaluating student performance and providing feedback. They may also attend school meetings with parents, teachers and district officials to discuss educational topics and plan for future improvements.

Head teachers and principals also have different job duties based on their leadership roles. A principal has more administrative responsibilities, such as conducting staff meetings, scheduling shifts for security or janitorial staff and maintaining school records. A head teacher typically focuses more on classroom-related duties, such as organizing class trips or field trips.

Job Requirements

To become a head teacher, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. Some states also require head teachers to have a master’s degree and/or certification. To become a principal, you typically need a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration, as well as several years of teaching experience. In some states, you may also need to be certified as a school administrator.

Work Environment

Head teachers and principals work in different environments. Principals typically work in school buildings, where they oversee the entire school environment. They may spend their days in classrooms observing students and teachers to ensure that all of the students are learning effectively. They also spend time in offices reviewing student records and other important documents.

Head teachers usually work in a classroom setting with students. They may have an office or another space within the building where they can meet with parents and discuss student progress. Head teachers often travel between classrooms throughout the day to observe lessons and provide support for teachers.

Skills

Both head teachers and principals need to have excellent communication skills. They use these skills when they are interacting with parents, students, staff members and other administrators. They also both need to be able to effectively manage their time as they often have a lot of responsibilities.

Head teachers typically need to have strong organizational skills as they are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a school. This can include tasks like creating schedules, coordinating activities and supervising staff members. Principals usually need to have more strategic thinking skills as they are responsible for developing long-term plans for their school. This can involve setting goals, evaluating data and making decisions about resources.

Salary

The average salary for a head teacher is $49,292 per year, while the average salary for a principal is $106,467 per year. The salary for a head teacher may vary depending on the size of the school, the location of the school and the level of experience the head teacher has. The salary for a principal may vary depending on the size of the school, the location of the school and the level of experience the principal has.