Selection, training, and importance of school heads and supervisors across Africa

Despite their potential importance in the education production function, relatively little is known across contexts about the selection and training of school heads and supervisors in Africa. Based on available data and qualitative studies, most school heads and supervisors are selected from existing teaching ranks, receive little (if any) pre-service training, and are promoted based on factors other than their managerial ability. •School heads and supervisors are potentially very importance in the education production function.•Relatively little is known across contexts about the selection and training of school heads and supervisors in Africa.•Most school heads and supervisors are selected from existing teaching ranks.•Most receive little (if any) pre-service training.•Most are promoted based on factors other than their managerial ability.