📄 Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of novice school heads as they transitioned into leadership roles, the coping strategies they used in addressing leadership challenges, and the educational insights drawn from their shared experiences. The study involved fifteen (15) novice school heads from public elementary schools in New Bataan, Davao de Oro Division, who had served in leadership positions for at least one (1) year but not more than three (3) years. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews using a validated interview guide and were analyzed through thematic analysis guided by Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Findings revealed that novice school heads experienced leadership struggles, leadership adjustment difficulties, and leadership growth and positive transformation. Their struggles included decision-making pressure, workload and time constraints, conflict in managing people, lack of confidence, role transition challenges, and emotional strain. To cope with these challenges, they used task management, collaborative support, and personal resilience through prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, seeking mentor guidance, partnering with stakeholders, practicing self-care, and reflecting on decisions. The educational insights emphasized practice-oriented leadership preparation, relational and values-based school leadership, and reflective and sustainable leadership growth. These insights show that novice leadership is shaped by struggle, adjustment, support, reflection, and continuous professional learning. The study recommends that leadership development programs for novice school heads be practical, mentoring-based, reflective, and responsive to actual school leadership demands. It further recommends strengthened institutional support, coaching, stakeholder collaboration, and wellness initiatives to help novice school heads become competent, resilient, and sustainable educational leaders.
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📚 How to Cite:
Christine O. Pamor , STEPPING INTO LEADERSHIP: A NOVICE SCHOOL HEADS NARRATIVES , Volume 13 , Issue 6, June 2026, EPRA International Journal of Environmental Economics, Commerce and Educational Management(ECEM) , Pages: 201 - 215 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra28372