The role and responsibilities of instructional supervisors in education

¶ … instructional supervision?

Instructional supervisor maintains a bridge between students and teachers. Since the communication between students and teachers are very important, it is instructional supervisor's role to ensure that the effectiveness and quality of teaching methods (or teachers). In this matter, instructional supervisor is responsible to provide enough feedbacks to the teachers and communicate with students about their expectations and educational developments. In the traditional institution, an instructional supervisor takes the role of a helper. However, in the ideal model an instructional supervisor is a mentor for students and a role model for teachers.

What should be the ultimate purpose of supervision?

The ultimate purpose of supervision is to protect the best interest for students. It is not limited to enhancement of education and teachers but also the effectiveness and reliability of environmental factors (e.g., the location of classroom, the effectiveness of classroom materials).

4. What knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values are possessed by successful supervisors?

A successful supervisor must believe in synergy and create ideas and methods to enhance the educational quality and communication channels between teachers and students. The supervisor should foresee the changes in technology and education systems, find the best method to analyze the students and teachers performances. It is also very important that the supervisor knows the rules and regulations to avoid any conflict between the school and federal government as well as the local government and the school discrete.

5. What are the most important needs of teachers?

Teachers should be open minded, creative and willing to teach using the most reliable teaching tools. For example, if the teacher is using the same method which was used 30 years ago, it would make it very difficult to maintain a good communication with students. Therefore, a successful teacher should be open to new trainings, collaborate with other teachers and always look for new opportunities to enhance their own teaching methods.

6. What makes for positive relationships between supervisors and teachers?

As it is mentioned before the ideal supervisor should be a role model for teachers and open to listen to their needs and ideas about the educational institutions and methods. They should share their experiences and knowledge to avoid any unexpected outcome and serve for the same mission which should be the better education for students.

7. What types of activities should be part of instructional supervision?

The following activities should be the part of instructional supervision; organizing meetings with school committees and teachers, evaluating the strength, weakness, threats and opportunities of the education method used and share with school committees and teachers, helping teachers to build their curriculums. Moreover, the implication of federal laws and regulations along with school district books must be guaranteed.

8. What should be changed regarding the current practice of instructional supervision?

In the traditional systems most of the supervisors are separated from the teachers as being a boss. Therefore, there is a lack of communication between teachers and supervisors. This gap should be eliminated. It should be well accepted that the success of a teacher is the excellence of the supervisor.