School Management from the Voice of Their Protagonists in Spain

Abstract

This study gathers the contributions of school principals’ professional skills, their access to the role as heads and the main advantages and disadvantages of being a school principal. The study involved 20 principals from the province of Seville. A qualitative methodology was used, through semi-structured interviews and content analysis. From the analysis of the results, specific aspects are deduced in the categories studied such as: access to the principal position, competencies, advantages, difficulties, management model. Most of the principals interviewed assured that accessing the position is assumed with willingness to face challenges, and that management competencies, capacity to listen and empathy are essential for the role. Their work is facilitated by their relationships with their co-workers and a good management team, followed by the support of the educational community. On the other hand, they stated that their duties are hindered mainly by families who are not involved and discipline issues.