Headmaster

Leaders of Academia

Lofty hallways lead to classrooms and libraries, both filled with things that had once wandered, looking for purpose, but arrived here. A cacophony of voices fills these halls, students, professors, others here to shape the minds of those who chose these hallowed halls to fill their minds and shape their lost souls. Knowledge was the answer for those who were lost, something that could be found amongst peers and those who had dedicated their lives to the pursuit.
At the end of one hallway, a towering door awaits, leading to the office of whoever leads these wandering minds and souls to their chosen end. The most important person to this institution keeps their office behind large doors and overflowing bookshelves, their duties and continuing studies scattered throughout the room. It was a never-ending job, one that may be thankless some days, but leading these inquiring minds to knowledge was thanks in itself.
Headmasters serve as the leaders of academic institutions across the world. These men and women are knowledgeable academics themselves, shaping the curriculum, materials, and every part of their institutions in order to shape the next generation of question askers and answerers. Much like a General leads an army, Headmasters lead those who wish to know more, helping to shape their minds to always ask questions.

Qualifications

Qualifications for this position vary from institution to institution, but there are some base qualifications that all can agree upon. Most institutions require a certain number of years teaching within academia, often within the institution they would become the Headmaster of, but teaching at an institution of similar caliber is also allowed to fulfill this qualification. The number of years necessary to be considered for this position often depends on the lifespan of the people most commonly represented by the institution, meaning that Elves and Dwarves may be required to have more years of experience to become the Headmaster of their kingdom's institutions than a Human may for theirs.
Headmasters are also often required to have many years of formal education, as well as continuing education credentials. Most institutions prefer those who have never stopped learning or expanding their areas of expertise, while also having certain leadership qualities that are commonly found in Generals and other high-ranking officials. Headmasters also need to have interpersonal skills that allow them to work with any number of people from different backgrounds.

Appointment

Appointment to the role of Headmaster can come from a variety of sources, depending on the subject matter that the institution specializes in. Magic academies often have their Headmasters appointed by the leader of the country or kingdom in which the institution is, but this appointment must also be agreed upon by the High Council of the Arcane to keep these institutions at a high caliber. Headmasters of mundane academies may be appointed by the leader of the country or kingdom as well, but could also be appointed by a board of directors or other entity, depending on how the institution functions.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

The removal or dismissal of someone from the position of Headmaster is not something taken lightly. Oftentimes, one would be removed from the position for committing a crime or doing something that puts the institution in jeopardy. Depending on the severity of the offense, the Headmaster may be removed from their position and allowed to continue teaching. If the offense is especially heinous, the Headmaster may be removed from academia entirely, not allowed to continue teaching, or imprisoned.

Headmaster Banner

Headmaster Banner by Banner via Armoria, created by RiverFang

While most institutions have their own colors and banners, there is a generic banner that represents Headmasters overall. It is meant to be as generic as possible and able to be changed to fit a specific institution.

Type

Academic, Professional

Source of Authority

Ruler, Council, or Board

Length of Term

Depends on the organization, but this role is often for a lifetime.