Plight of School Heads as Instructional Leaders in the New Normal: Navigating the Academic Challenges

Abstract

This study explored the plight of school heads particularly on the challenges and coping mechanisms as instructional leaders in the new normal in Santa Cruz-North District, Davao Del Sur Division. There were thirteen (13) school heads who participated in the study. This study made use of a phenomenological approach to extract the ideas of the participants. An in-depth interview was employed to gather some information with regards to their respective challenges and coping mechanisms as instructional leaders. Using the thematic analysis, the following themes emerged: the identified challenges of school heads were: adapting the new normal, increasing task demands, ensuring the monitoring of teacher’s performance and student learning and mobilizing resources. The coping mechanisms were: communicating with stakeholders, providing technical assistance and managing changes. The insights drawn from the findings of the study were: having adequate pedagogic knowledge and capacity-building skills, collaborating with stakeholders, leading in a democratic way and motivating teachers. School heads as instructional leaders in the new normal were responsive to the needs of the learners and teachers. They also recognized the role of stakeholders in improving school management.