The Leadership Roles of Secondary Schools’ Department Heads in Belize

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Culture, Leadership, and Education in Africa and the Caribbean

Abstract

This study examined the leadership roles of secondary schools department heads at two government schools in Belize, Central America. Qualitative data were collected from seven participants through one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Three strategies were used to analyze the data used —content analysis (Patton, 2002), inductive analysis (Hatch, 2002), and educational criticism (Eisner, 1998). Results of the analysis revealed the following three themes: (a) build instructional capacity, (b) increase learning opportunities for students, and (c) provide technical and vocational teachers access to professional training and development. Preliminary findings also revealed that the role of secondary school department head is multifaceted and a critical need exists for sustained professional training and development for department heads in Belize.

Authors

• Ethel Mae Arzu Hernandez, University of Belize

• Warren A. Hodge, University of North Florida