Recruitment and retention of senior school leaders: Meeting the challenge

Abstract

Whether or not it may be described as a 'crisis' there are mounting concerns in many countries about the supply line of well-qualified principals or head teachers. This article contends that many of the strategies put in place to address the intensification of school leadership are necessary but insufficient. Collegial networking, confidantes, coaches and critical friends are important and welcome in alleviating the pervasive sense of loneliness that many school leaders express but these measures do not deal with the deeper lying issues. The phenomenon of 'career deputies' is now a telling international indicator of a widespread reluctance to become the 'ultimate Mister Fixit'. Resilience, professional solidarity and subversive qualities within the profession have to play a part in demonstrating to governments that there can be a better way.