Challenges facing novice principals: A study in Colombian schools using a socialisation perspective

Abstract

This research examined challenges faced by novice principals in Colombia in connecting_x000D_ to their school communities through their socialisation processes. Interviews with 37_x000D_ newly appointed principals in rural and urban schools revealed that the complexity of_x000D_ their school contexts accentuated the need to work on the relational dimension of their_x000D_ jobs. Forging relationships with teachers and parents based on trust and communication,_x000D_ introspection and knowledge about their school communities emerged as crucial factors_x000D_ to foster social justice and to transcend deficit views of their communities. The article_x000D_ questions the role of supporting services for novice principals, emphasises the_x000D_ importance of organisational socialisation, and stresses the role of preparation programs_x000D_ in providing principals with tools for learning during this phase of their professional_x000D_ careers.