Perception of Novice School Leaders about Mentoring and Coaching Practices of School Improvement Partners: An Exploratory Study

<p dir="ltr">Newly inducted school leaders, usually find it hard is to meet the high expectations of stakeholders. Some of these needs, expectations, and ways to improve are a real challenge for schools and novice school leaders who want to be successful. Having a trusted school improvement coach on hand can help novice school leaders change their ways of working when making a strategic plan to achieve their goals. The results of this study reveal the perception of novice school leaders who have undergone a coaching and mentioning program in ABC school system. It shows that coaching and mentoring from school improvement partners is a good way for new leaders to improve their skills and take on new challenges. Inexperienced school leaders were very aware of how important and necessary regular support was in their first few years on the job. The participants of this study were able to find a strong link between coaching from school improvement partners and improvement in their approach towards strategic planning for improvement. Participants in the study also liked that the school improvement coach was like a critical friend who made them think and helped them change their practices. They agreed with the idea that coaching and mentoring of new school leaders done by experienced professionals can help new school leaders get better at what they do</p>