International event of ČMOS PŠ: School principals in the Czech Republic, their status and support
Published:
In March 2025, the Czech and Moravian Trade Union of Teachers (ČMOS PŠ), in collaboration with ETUCE and with the participation of OZŠ (Slovakia), organised an international webinar titled "School Principals in the Czech Republic: Their Status and Support."
The event was part of the Education Leadership Network Europe (ELNE) consortium's series of activities, coordinated by leading European umbrella organisations: ETUCE (representing education trade unions), EFEE (education employers), ESHA (school leaders), EPA (parents), and OBESSU (student unions).
Gabriela Tlapová (ČMOS PŠ) opened the event and welcomed the participants. František Dobšík, President of ČMOS PŠ, highlighted the value of exchanging experiences among education trade unions to improve the status of school leaders and make the profession more appealing to teachers.
Pavel Ondek, President of OZŠ, the Slovak teachers' union, explained that access to school leadership positions in Slovakia varies significantly by region. Prospective headmasters must meet legal requirements, possess appropriate education and experience, and present a leadership programme reviewed by an independent commission. However, the role is underpaid relative to its high level of responsibility, discouraging many teachers from pursuing it.
Speaking on behalf of the ELNE lead partners, Agnes Roman (ETUCE) stressed the importance of motivating teachers to become school leaders. She noted the need to examine expectations placed on headteachers and how best to support their professional status, career progression, working conditions, and continuous professional development.
Expert presentations focused on the evolving discussion about the role and status of school principals in the Czech Republic. There is growing consensus that headteachers should be more than administrators: they should be pedagogical leaders. While candidates are required to have teaching qualifications and managerial and administrative competencies, often acquired through a bachelor's degree in school management or curriculum development, they must also manage with limited resources and heavy responsibilities. Despite these demands, there are few opportunities for career progression. According to OECD data, 85% of Czech headteachers receive no formal feedback on their work, although 80% express a desire to grow professionally and strengthen their skills.
In conclusion, participants agreed on the importance of continuing dialogue among education trade unions and key stakeholders, including ministries, school leaders, parents, and students, to enhance school leadership and elevate the status of school principals across the region.
The recorded webinar is available in Check and Slovakian here: School Principles Czech Republic
Please find other related webinars here:
EEM 2025 - Digitalisation of education – by OBESSU, EPA, and ETUCE
EEM 2025 - Support and Guidance for Teachers: Introducing Curriculum Reform in Education – by ZNP
EEM 2025 - How to facilitate effective and sustainable collaborative leadership – by TUI
EEM 2025 - European Sectorial Social Partners in Education Addressing Psychosocial Risks – by EFEE and ETUCE
EEM 2025 - Leading by dialogues: collaborating with private schools to educate teachers at CERN – by OIELE