“My University Didn’t Prepare Me . . .”: Assistant Principals’ Experiences and the Gaps in University Preparation for Special Education Leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate experiences of early career assistant principals and learn if their preparation programs prepared them to supervise special education. Three female, elementary assistant principals and graduates of Henry Lloyd University participated. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus groups and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. The researchers identified three primary themes: (1) Roles and Responsibilities, (2) University-Based Preparation for Roles and Responsibilities, and (3) Recommendations for Education Leadership Program. Implications of these findings and areas of future research are discussed.

Keywords

education leadership preparation assistant principals special education supervision

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