SH.

Wasn't a scholar (took the old NIE Education degree). If you work hard enough (or harder and / or smarter enough, it is possible. But yes, scholars are deliberately given bigger portfolios to justify their faster promotion. Whether they do it well, though at times they can't lead for nuts and merely get by because farmers tank the project.

I also see some overseas scholars (mostly the PE or Art/Music teachers) who remain as teachers. So yes, being a scholar does not necessarily mean that you get leadership immediately as well.

But at the end of the day, as long as SLs like you, see potential and want to groom you, that seems to be the most impt factor.