Educational management through the prism of war: challenges and professional skills of the head of a general secondary education institution

Abstract

Educational management in wartime is an extremely important and relevant topic, since armed conflict and martial law have created difficult conditions for the functioning of secondary education institutions, requiring effective management of the teaching staff, organization of a high-quality educational process in safe conditions, and preservation of productivity and stability. The article analyzes management styles in secondary education institutions, defines their essence, and reveals the main content of the educational manager's activities. It is found that the school management system in conditions of armed conflict is an important factor in the full functioning of a secondary education institution. The main challenges faced by general education institutions during the occupation of part of the territory of Ukraine by Russia are summarized, in particular: destruction of school infrastructure, reduction of education spending, loss of qualified specialists, decrease in motivation. It is emphasized that the management of an educational institution should be based on respect for participants in the educational process, collegiality, innovation, exactingness, support, mutual understanding, and creation of a positive psychological climate in the team. The purpose of the study is to determine the main content of the activities of an education manager, analyze the problem of rational management and identify the features of school management in wartime. The article uses general scientific and special methods: analysis of literary sources, statistical data, expert assessments, the method of problem search, analysis and systematization, comparison, synthesis, ranking of material. It is proven that the management of educational institutions under martial law requires competent orientation in crisis situations from leaders for the high-quality organization of the educational process in safe conditions, conducting an effective personnel policy, creating favorable conditions for distance learning, and the ability to establish relations with public organizations and international partners. Practical advice on supporting the staff of the educational institution is outlined, and ways to increase motivation and incentives are highlighted.