Novice principals from Canada and South Africa share their experiences

Abstract

In this subproject of the International Study of Principal Preparation that covers the pre-appointment preparation of principals, two groups of novice and relatively inexperienced principals were involved in discussions about their own pre-appointment preparation as principals. A group of Canadian and South African principals shared their views in telephone and online discussions. It emerged that although their contexts differed considerably, they agreed on many points, including the inadequacy of their own preparation to provide them with all the skills they wanted, their appreciation of informal preparation (such as mentoring) and an understanding of the significant role of values in their work. The crosscultural dialogue among the principals confirmed much of the standard view on principalship but showed, not surprisingly, that context is very important in the work of school leaders. That is, it is possible to speak of principals' pre-appointment preparation in general terms, but it is a construct that depends on its setting.