• SANDRA SZALIPSKI

  Author

• GRANT LENARDUZZI

  Author

School districts in British Columbia, Canada, are receiving fewer
experienced applicants to undertake educational leadership as a school principal.
Assessing the experiences, challenges, and supports of beginning principals
contributes to understanding and in assisting the early needs of this pivotal
education leadership role. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the
preparation, challenges, and supports for novice principals. Qualitative data from
semi-structured interviews of three beginning principals from three different districts
in the Province of British Columbia, Canada, generated the data for this narrative
analysis. Meaningful vice-principal placements, in-service, and mentoring were
dominant factors for preparation and successful initiation as a principal. Challenges
with relationship issues and craft knowledge were evident.

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