What Makes a Good School Inspector? A Case Study of Teachers’ and School Administrators’ Perceptions of School Inspectors

Abstract

A school inspector’s characteristics are important in ensuring that the school inspection process goes well as this may lead to the school’s improvement while preventing the occurrence of side effects. This study aims to explore teachers’ and school administrators’ perceptions of school inspectors after experiencing school inspections. Using qualitative case studies, nine participants from two schools were interviewed. This study discovered that the participants had positive perceptions of school inspectors. Through thematic analysis, four descriptions of school inspectors’ characteristics emerged, namely ‘friendly and kind’, ‘helpful communication style’, ‘understanding and considerate’ and ‘provide recognition’. The positive demeanour of school inspectors was found to be valuable in minimising stress and fear amongst inspectees while making the inspection process easier and more meaningful, as well as enabling the participants to learn and improve their work. This study recommends that school inspectors have positive attitudes and approaches to conducting inspections as this can make the process easier for inspectees and encourage them to be positive about the process while limiting unwanted effects like stress. Finally, future studies should explore the relationship between school inspectors’ characteristics and schools’ improvements as the outcome of school inspections.