How to be a successful Deputy Head or Vice Principal
an M F Donnellan Course
This course is designed to help you in your decision-making process around taking on the role of Deputy Head in your current or another school. It outlines the practical skills and attributes you will need to possess and use in performing the role, should you take up such an appointment. It will also alert you to the many opportunities and some of the pitfalls that accompany this exciting and pivotal role in a school.
The course will also be of benefit to those who are newly installed as Deputy in their school and those who, though in post for some time, could do with reviewing and refreshing their thoughts and practices. It will be of benefit, too, to those who are thinking of venturing into the international school market, where other layers of complexity are added.
Student Testimonials
Don’t take our word for it – here’s what our clients say ( Reviews on Udemy):
A “4.92 Star” rating Course out of 5!
How to be a Successful Deputy Head or Vice Principal: This course, aimed at educators wanting to enter the role of Deputy Head or people already in the role, is an excellent overview of what the position requires with each section detailing key information. Martin Donnellan’s experiences in education and particularly, leadership make this course a must-take for anyone who wants learn more and expand thinking within leadership. Having been in this position for 2 years, this course served as a reflective tool allowing me to self-assess my growth and development as well as take on new information and ideas. Time-wise, very accessible for those who are busy and want clear, concise, interesting and relevant information about it. Interspersed throughout the modules are relevant, helpful resources that can be used and tailored for different contexts. The resources alone (some samples of letters, overviews and reflective prompts) are extremely valuable takeaways that would support anyone in the role. The advice that is given is honest and based on years of experience—worth listening to and taking note of.
Karen, China
Finally a course that gives a thorough description and honest insight into the complex – but potentially immensely satisfying – work of the deputy head. Well-paced lectures and resources provide opportunities for self reflection as well as a clear view into the many roles, skills and professional attitudes required. Recommended for anyone interested in assessing whether their next step is that of the deputy head!
Debra, Netherlands
It is an all encompassing course for Deputy Head Teachers and Vice Principals. Explicit and applicable! The course gives you an opportunity to deep dive into the day to day experience of a DHT/VP. An excellent choice of course to help advance your career from a class teacher to DHT/VP. The content is very rich and delivered in manageable bitesized chunks. This course is certainly recommended for current and aspiring DHTs/VPs as it gives a comprehensive overview of the role of the office and would better prepare them for the job.
Elizabeth, Nigeria
It’s an excellent match for me. I totally agree that Vice Prinicpal’s are given very little guidance on how to do their job and it is a world apart from classroom teaching. It is great to have practical advice on what is expected and how to manage teams. The course is broken down into manageable tasks and expectations. These are really helpful.
Kelly, Italy
A great course, full of information advice and encouragement for the aspiring Deputy Head/Vice Principal from a seasoned international professional. Martin speaks with clarity and honesty about the role; about the challenges and pitfalls; about preserving the necessary balance of life and work; and about how ultimately rewarding it is. The downloadable worksheets are an added bonus, both from the point of view of self reflection and immediately actionable information. I highly recommend this course to anyone aspiring to school leadership.
Ger, UK
Mr. Donnellan presented an incredibly broad spectrum of knowledge, practical skills, unique talents, types of energies, and a range of personality traits which would behoove one to reflect upon when contemplating leaving the classroom to move into the Office of Deputy Head. The content could feel overwhelming. Yet it wasn’t because Mr. Donnellan presented it with an amazing ease, clarity and obvious wisdom. His positive, informative, real experienced based knowledge and philosophy instilled a strong sensation of real encouragement while having “eyes wide open” to the realities of the position. The organization of the lectures makes each section easy to return to “re-hear” and reflect on the content, advice and encouragement. Each section was specific and concrete, yet build upon an over all philosophy focusing all energy and drive to support the teaching and learning within and without of the school community. He addresses the need of collaboration across all aspects of the school community. This is an area I have often found to be a weak link at the various schools where I have held positions. Shouldering the responsibilities, while simultaneously extending opportunities to grow to colleagues is a fine balance. He also addresses the importance of building collaborative relationships with the Head of School, colleagues, students and families. These lectures would be of great help in doing so successfully. Any educator contemplating moving out of the classroom, as well as those already in a Deputy Head position, would benefit from taking advantage of Mr. Donnellan’s course. He will be an excellent on-line mentor. His wisdom, encouragement and resources are invaluable. Thank you, Mr. Donnellan.