schoolmasters

Schoolmaster is a term used to describe a person responsible for the instruction and welfare of students in a school. In many contexts it denotes a teacher, but in others it refers to the senior administrator of a school. Historically, the term has been gendered, with "schoolmaster" referring to a male teacher, and "schoolmistress" or more inclusive terms now preferred in most places.

Typical duties include planning lessons, delivering instruction, assessing student progress, supervising staff, enforcing school policies, maintaining discipline, and communicating with families. In many schools the headmaster or principal oversees administration, budget, and long-term planning, while classroom teachers handle day-to-day teaching within assigned subjects.

Regional usage varies. In the United Kingdom, "headmaster" or "headteacher" is used for the school's principal, and "master" may appear in the names of old or traditional schools or in boarding schools. In the United States, "principal" is the common term for the school leader, and "teacher" is the general designation for instructional staff; "schoolmaster" appears mainly in historic or formal contexts or in private schools.

Qualifications typically include a higher education degree in a subject area and a teacher preparation program, followed by professional certification or licensure. Ongoing professional development is common, especially for those in leadership roles.

Historically, schoolmasters played central roles in defining curricula and pedagogy within their communities. The professionalization of teaching and shifting gender roles led to changes in title usage and organizational structures, with modern schools more often using neutral terms such as teacher and principal. The concept persists in many traditional or ceremonial contexts and in boarding school environments.