Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of a shadowing/mentoring component of a post-graduate programme designed to prepare deputy and assistant principals for the principalship. Design/methodology/approach – The research design is a qualitative evaluation of the shadowing/mentoring component of a principal preparation programme. The experiences of 13 individual aspiring principals who had taken part in the programme were explored using semi-structured interviews. Findings – The shadowing/mentoring component of this programme allowed the aspiring principals to gain an understanding of the complexity of a principal’s role by shadowing and being mentored by experienced principals in a range of New Zealand schools. In addition to providing them with a network of effective principals, the experience led the aspiring principals to reflect on their leadership development. Research limitations/implications – The study drew on a small sample of 27 students enroled in the programme, 13 of whom were included in the data collection process. Originality/value – This study presents the views of aspiring principals who valued the opportunity to relate theory to practice as part of a post-graduate programme.
