Abstract
A predicted high turnover of principals and senior school leaders due to retirements, combined with increasing demands placed on principals, has resulted in an anticipated principal shortage in New Zealand and many other western countries. The recent educational focus in New Zealand and internationally, on reducing disparity and lifting the achievement levels of the bottom twenty per cent of students, has placed an increased emphasis on principal leadership. The importance of the role of the principal in leading schools to achieve positive outcomes for students has become more evident with recent research, as highlighted by Robinson, Hohepa and Lloyd (2009).
The purpose of this study was to research secondary assistant and deputy principals (AP/DPs) and recently appointed principals, in the Otago/Southland region of New Zealand and their perceptions of the conditions they believe are required to assist those aspiring to principalship. The study also considered the importance of the support provided by the principal for those aspiring to principalship. An investigation of what recently appointed principals believed was required to support them in preparation for the role was also made. A case study mixed methods approach was selected with qualitative and quantitative evidence gathered from a survey of AP/DPs and principals and semi-structured interviews of both AP/DPs and principals.
Results of the study indicated considerable interest in aspiring to principalship amongst AP/DPs in this region and identified a number of conditions that were important for encouraging teachers to assume the principal’s role. The study also identified what recently appointed principals believed was essential for supporting them in their new role, including mentor support and financial management.
The findings culminate in a summary of implications for those involved in encouraging aspirants to seek principalship and for those involved in supporting principals once they have assumed the role. Suggested areas for further research are also outlined.