An Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Principals with School Counseling Backgrounds

Abstract

Research surrounding school principals indicates that the candidate pool is shrinking for this vitally important position. School counselors are great candidates to fill this position. Their experience as a counselor helps them solidify strong leadership skills and abilities that can contribute to a successful school principalship. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of school principals with school counseling experience. In particular, how did these backgrounds influence factors pertaining to being purpose and focus oriented, enacting ethical and equitable responsibility, acting as instructional leaders, collaborating and interacting with school community and stakeholders, creating and maintaining professional work relationships, and interpreting data for continuous improvement. Five participants who are currently or who have been school principals and also school counselors were interviewed and completed a follow up survey. Throughout the data collection and analysis process, five themes emerged. The findings of this study show that these individuals place a priority on strong professional relationships, keep students at the forefront of decision making, focus on whole child education, believe their time as a school counselor greatly prepared them for their principal positions, and always keep a growth mindset.