Trust and Collaboration Practices: Key Factors in Strengthening Teacher-School Head Alliance

AUTHOR(S)

EDZEL NUEVO ROSA M. DIMEN RENATO L. RUBIO RICARDO R. MARFIGA JUAN B. SALANGA BONIFACIO A. RIVERA MATUTINA T. CABUG VIDA C. MARISTELA ROGELIO ROSS M. DIMEN SERENA M. SESE

ABSTRACT

—— This study is entitled “Trust and Collaboration Practices: Key Factors in Strengthening Teacher-School Head Alliance” and discusses the role of trust and collaboration in effective relationships between teachers and school heads. It is guided by Four research questions: examining the profile of school heads in terms of age, sex, position, years in service and educational attainment, identifying the key factors contributing rong partnerships: and analyzing the challenges encountered. A quantitative research design was adopted making use of validated structured questionnaires that were pilot tested. Data were gathered ethically from 30 school heads in (the Uson District, under the Schools Division Office of Masbate Province), and analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, weighted mean, and rating scales. Most of the respondents were aged between 41 and 50, thus mid-career professionals at a good time to lead the trustbuilding activities. There was a slight majority who were female and this had been on an increasing trend with women in leadership positions, although both genders could equally facilitate teamwork. The majorities of respondents were Master’s degree holders or were pursuing advanced degrees, indicating professional development as being important to effectiveness in leadership. The largest percentage of respondents was at the principal level, showing their experience and ability to handle partnerships. These challenges identified were differences in communication styles and the ways of workload distribution and goals alignment between the teachers and school heads. On the other hand, successful factors of this partnership were open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making Therefore, fostering trust and collaboration necessitates developing school heads continually and putting priority relationship-building skills over leadership development. It suggests specific training programs for school heads based on trust building strategies and professional development to promote stronger teacher-school head partnerships. Keywords — Key Factor, Teacher School Head Alliance, Trust, Collaboration Practices