E-scéal 3: Query Lines / Why are Principals 'handing back the keys'?
- Published: 10 December 2002
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"Why Are Some Principals Handing Back The Keys?"
My name is Jim Ryan and I am teaching in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. I have been teaching there for the past eighteen years and hold the position of assistant principal.
I am appealing for volunteers to assist me in a dissertation I am writing as part of the coursework for the Masters In Education (Educational Leadership) in St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, under the supervision of Dr. Ciaran Sugrue, Head of Post Graduate Studies. I have contacted the I.N.T.O. and the D.E.S. in relation to the study. The I.N.T.O. informed me that they would not have that information. The D.E.S. asked me to forward a request, in writing, and I am awaiting a reply, but they are unsure if they will be able to supply me with the information required.
The purpose of the study is to try to illicit reasons why some primary school principals are relinquishing their position as principal and stepping down, often returning to teaching in a classroom setting, resource teacher, etc. The fact that many return to class teaching implies (I feel) that they enjoy the teaching aspect of the job but must have found some aspect(s) of the principals role unsavoury.
On completion of the study I imagine that there may be numerous different reasons for persons stepping down. A trend may be obvious in relation to a certain size school, urban, rural, disadvantaged, etc, - I'm not sure. If certain aspects of the role are put forward by a number of participants then suggestions and recommendations could be put forward in the study to try to remedy these concerns. This, in time, if acted upon may relieve the pressures from others considering stepping down, may encourage others to remain in the role, and may encourage more to apply for the position of principal, which has been on the decline in recent years.
The methodology to be utilised in the study in to be in two parts.
Firstly, I hope to send a questionnaire to all willing candidates. This can be completed anonymously. The last question on the questionnaire will ask " if you are willing to put your name forward to be interviewed for this study could you please supply contact details." Only persons completing this section will be identifiable to me.
Secondly, I hope to conduct a more in depth interview with five willing candidates who supply contact details in the questionnaire. (The reasons for interviewing five is the time factor involved - I start the study in Jan 2003 and it must be completed by June 2003) This exercise would involve tape recording the interview to allow me to refer to points raised, when I am writing the dissertation. The five candidates who would be interviewed will not have any personal details whatsoever mentioned in the thesis. If citations from the interview transcripts are necessary they will take the form of ..."interviewee A, who teaches in a two teacher school, in a rural setting, in the West of Ireland, stated.......................................". The identity of the interviewees will not be revealed in the study.
Seán Cottrell has agreed to send this message through your electronic newsletter to assist me in trawling as wide as possible for my research. I was hoping, through IPPN, that I may be able to find volunteers who would be willing to complete a short questionnaire. The problem is I do not know how many principals are out there who have stepped down. I would be extremely grateful if you could see fit to volunteer to complete this questionnaire. Even if you are not interested in completing the questionnaire but have stepped down from the position of principal I would be grateful if you could let me know, to give me an idea of the overall figure involved. The questionnaire is being designed, at present, and should be ready to be sent out in late January/early February 2003.
I have informed Sean Cottrell, director I.P.P.N., that I would make the findings of the study available to him when completed, which will be late June 2003.
Thanking you for taking the time to read this.
If the study is applicable to you I would be extremely grateful if you would contact me to (a) volunteer to complete questionnaire or (b) inform me that you have stepped down but are not interested in completing a questionnaire.
Thanking you,
Jim Ryan,
St. Bernadette's S.N.S.,
Quarryvale, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
(01) 4502629 (home) jimryan@utvinternet.com
