The Emperor’s New Clothes?! Understanding the experience of educators in their transition to school management roles in the secondary school system in Jamaica

Stewart-Mcintosh, Deana-Kay Anna

Abstract

A report by the National Education Inspectorate (2015) claimed that as many as 20% of the 28 schools graded leadership and management as unsatisfactory (Hibbert, 2020). This research seeks to explore the experiences of educators in the Jamaican secondary school system as they make the transition to school management roles. This is to identify and examine the challenges experienced in school management. This research provides detailed account of the experiences and perceptions of a purposive sample of 12 school leaders including senior teachers, grade coordinators/ supervisors and principals who have experience of that position for at least 10 years. The research followed a qualitative approach rooted in an interpretivist perspective and drew from a phenomenological design. The experiences were collected by semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretivists Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four research questions were used to guide the research process in which the research findings indicate that the transitional process is challenging and impacts performance within the first year. The process was described as a learning process and often overwhelming. The key themes identified were unpreparedness for the role, lack of a standardised process for selection, learning on the job, active resistance, and seniority. The challenges encountered were internal and external, however, those transitioning used strategies to adjust within the first year such as reading, past experiences or mentors. The key findings were used to develop a conceptual model to assist educators in transitioning into school management. The model provides guidelines aimed at improving the transitional process. The research delivers an understanding and awareness of the impact of the transitional process on performance in school management, thereby providing recommendations to improve practice and alter perceptions/ behaviour during the transition. Finally, the research contributes and provides insight into the learning experiences aimed at improving quality and performance in this setting.

Citation

Stewart-Mcintosh, D.-K. A. The Emperor’s New Clothes?! Understanding the experience of educators in their transition to school management roles in the secondary school system in Jamaica. (Thesis). Edinburgh Napier University

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 4, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 4, 2024
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17869/enu.2024.3789803
• Award Date: Jul 4, 2024