Primary school principal turnover: investigating the factors affecting primary school principal retention
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Date
2023
Authors
Cahill, Brian B.
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Publisher
University College Cork
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Abstract
With the position of school leader being recognised as a key stakeholder to student success, this study uniquely explores the turnover and retention of primary school principals in Ireland. The impact of recent policy reforms and curriculum developments on the working environment of school principals in Irish primary schools are explored in-depth within the current study, and a critical examination of how such changes in workload have impacted school leaders are further investigated.
This study adds to the research literature in the Irish context on educational leadership. The research specifically exploits a gap in the literature, with the voices of former school leaders coming to fruition in the current research analysis, The participating former school leaders provide a unique insight into the factors which influence the decision to step down. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on principal wellbeing, emphasising the connection between wellbeing, quality preparation, and professional development. This adds to discussions surrounding the affective implications of leadership, reform, sustainability, and turnover, challenging conventional assumptions, and providing fresh insights into these critical issues.
The research study employs a mixed-methods approach. Firstly, 467 current primary school principals participated by completing an online questionnaire designed to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. Subsequently, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse group of participants including seven current school leaders and six former principals.
Quantitative findings reveal that a substantial number of principals report experiencing significant stress which affects their mental and physical wellbeing. Notably, teaching principals (TPs) express significantly more dissatisfaction with workload and are less likely to recommend the role to others. Furthermore, newly appointed principals exhibit higher stress levels compared to their more experienced counterparts, with differences in mental health impacts, strain, exhaustion, frustration, and confidence apparent. Qualitative survey data reveals that school leaders often grapple with overwhelming administrative tasks diverting their focus from teaching and learning. The adverse impact of principalship on physical health is highlighted, along with the challenges associated with maintaining a healthy work-life balance. TPs face a unique challenge balancing administrative duties and classroom teaching. Paradoxically, many principals express overall job satisfaction. Qualitative interviews delve deeper into turnover factors foregrounding workload, work-life balance, health concerns, and the role of teaching principal as key factors affecting retention and turnover of Irish primary school leaders.
By unravelling the intricacies of principal experiences, this cutting-edge research yields actionable insights to inform strategic initiatives aimed at creating sustainable leadership pathways within the primary education sector in Ireland and further afield. It emphasises the pressing need for stakeholders to clarify the roles and responsibilities of the school principal and, significantly, seeks a full review into the viability of the role of teaching principal. Importantly, having gathered evidence, for the first time, from principals who have stepped down from the role, the research calls for the introduction of a formal step-down procedure for all primary school principals. The study underscores the necessity for mandatory pre-service training for all aspiring school leaders, guided the current research-informed evidence. Promising future research areas include addressing gender differences in school leadership and exploring the impact of principal preparation programmes. Additionally, under-researched areas such as workload in schools with special classes, leadership in start-up schools, and the experiences of loneliness and isolation among Irish primary school principals are identified for further investigation.
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Keywords
Leadership , Turnover , Retention , Primary school principal , Health and wellbeing
Citation
Cahill, B. B. 2023. Primary school principal turnover: investigating the factors affecting primary school principal retention. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.