Next emergency in education will be a shortage of secondary principals – Buzz.ie

Sophie Collins, 10th March 2020 

Research by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, which is due to be released in its entirety today, says the next educational emergency will be a lack of school principals.

The research shows that less than one-third of current acting principals see themselves remaining in the role in five years’ time.

The research reportedly includes 250 principals and deputy principals around Ireland.

The new report will be published ahead of the association’s national symposium on school leader wellbeing, workload, and work-life balance; Wellbeing of Leaders in Post-Primary Schools in Ireland.

According to NAPD Director Clive Byrne, the findings are not surprising to anyone who is currently working in second-level education in Ireland.

He said; “The role of a modern principal is akin to running a complex business, and school leaders are looking for support.

“They are navigating rapidly growing student populations and evolving student and staff needs without the required parallel government investment or supports.

“By extension, their colleagues in the staffroom see the unrelenting stress, pressure and psychological strain that comes with the role and decide against pursuing such positions.”

Mr. Byrne said recruitment and retention of staff in the education system were going to become more difficult over time.

The report shows that one of the biggest sources of stress agents for principals and deputy principals is dealing with people and creating positive professional relationships.

Other sources of stress for school principals and deputy principals reportedly include oversight of plant management, external agency engagement, and administrative responsibilities.

The report also sets out potential solutions, like, the better distribution of workload, additional administrative support, training, and skills enhancement and improved salaries.