Kastamonu Eğitim Dergisi (Jul 2019)
Challenges Faced by Principals: A Qualitative Study
Abstract
School principals undertake a variety of key roles and responsibilities the most important of which is leading teaching/learning. Faced with such daunting tasks as managing teaching and learning, managing the human resources, managing school services and managing financial resources principals have to deal with a plethora of pressing challenges. The present study aimed to explore these challenges. A phenomenological research design was employed with 22 principals working at İstanbul, Muğla, Kocaeli and Bursa based pre-K12, primary, secondary and high schools participating in the study. Content analysis of data collected through semi-structured interviews showed that financial challenges were the most widespread problem for principals. Other key challenges were found to be relationships with parents, teacher related challenges, facilities and physical conditions and administrative issues. Instructional/educational leadership potentially representing a significant contribution to the quality of teaching/learning at schools was not a priority. A number of recommendations were laid down based on findings..
