Stepping into leadership : addressing the transition for new heads of school.

This study examines the stresses, leadership challenges, insecurities, and areas of growth experienced by newly appointed heads of school with fewer than five years of leadership experience. It also investigates the support systems and structures that can help these leaders succeed. The shortage of qualified school leaders, exacerbated by an aging workforce and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the need for effective support to prevent burnout and improve retention. Research shows that transitioning into school leadership is often emotionally and professionally challenging, with new leaders facing a fast-paced, fragmented role demanding attention from multiple stakeholders. This study aims to provide insights into the support necessary for emerging school leaders to thrive in their positions.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Verwolf, Brian, 1990-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Eckert, Jonathan.

• Perceived stresses.
• Leadership challenges.
• Insecurities.
• Areas of growth.
• Newly appointed heads of school.
• Less than five years of experience.
• Support systems.
• Support structures.
• Emerging leaders.
• Burnout.
• Retention rates.
• Shortage of qualified school leaders.
• Aging workforce.
• COVID-19 pandemic.
• Emotional struggles.
• Professional struggles.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/13856

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/13856