ABSTRACT
There are diverse views of the principals to principalship as a profession. Utilizing qualitative design, through metaphorical statements from the results of the interview, this study capitalized the language of describing principalship as a profession.
Through this study, the researcher stretches statements beyond their initial meaning through metaphors. Findings show that the meaning of principalship as a profession vary according to the perspectives of every leader.
Ten metaphorical words summarize their descriptions to principalship as profession were used as follows; infinity, conductor, driver, coach, tour guide, parson, academic prophet, welder, harlequin and the president. With these interesting emerged themes, the researcher adapted a new concept in leadership from the emerged theme and calling them, faces of principalship profession that shows what the principal is doing, performing and acting.
Keywords: Principalship, Principal, School Head
INTRODUCTION
A good metaphorical explanation of principalship (Arnold and Harris 2000), ‘’Principalship is much like a song. In order for it to be fully appreciated it must include all aspects working in harmony. When song is sung with harmony one can hear how the different parts work together to make a whole’’.
Metaphors can provide a wide panoramic view of principalship as a profession (Linn, Sherman, Gill, Peggy 2007). And in different disciplines like literature, art and religion, law, science, medicine, music, computer and technology, communication studies, philosophy, social science, linguistics, aesthetics, mathematics, behavioural science and psychology, business, history (Lucero and Leones 2010 P. 11).
Principalship as profession is an international phenomenon. From the survey in 2001 characterized the principalship as very complex and demanding position (NASSP 2001. P. 1 cited by Eckman and Kelber 2009). Effective educational leaders develop, advocate, and enact a shared mission, vision, and core values of high-quality education and academic success and well-being of each student (National Policy Board for Educational Administration (2015).
Skria, Erlandson & Reed (2005 (P.19), differentiated principal to principalship’’ The principal is a man or woman who occupies a position as the chief executive officer of the school. Principalship represents the entire leadership function that must be performed in the school.
In the Philippines, the study of Lucero and Leones (2010), identified and noted five metaphorical views called panorama these were; (a) leading; (b) linking panorama; (c) life-giving panorama; (d) life long learning; (e) leveraging. Thus, principalship as a profession can be viewed and described using different perspectives.
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