Exploring principal coaching through the perception of principal coaches

The purpose of this research is to explore principal coaching through the lives of principal coaches as they provide support to novice and experienced principals. Principals are dealing with more complex problems than merely being the manager of schools. As we begin to transition our schools with higher demands, the framework that was in place is no longer viable. Student achievement and student growth are the two areas schools must focus on and succeed. The need to support school leaders is more relevant now than ever before. As a result, some type of support is needed to guide principals who need additional assistance and resources. The lived experiences in which the participants shared will give the reader a better understanding of how the principal coaches embrace this concept that has taken its features and objectives from executive coaching that is used in the business sector. The research tradition that I selected is the qualitative study. Understanding that a particular group of individuals are involved in a specific type of program leads my topic to a phenomenological approach. This approach is what was needed to examine the problem statement identified: How effective is principal coaching in education through the perception of principal coaches? The research that is presented does begin with assumptions and uses a theoretical lens to explore the phenomena of effective principal coaches. I was able to identify common themes from the stories and experiences that were relevant throughout the interviews as the data was coded. The principal coach has a responsibility to all stakeholders when working with the coachee. This role is full of opportunities to enhance the school community and improve student achievement. The time a principal coach spends with a coachee is important as they work collaboratively together in a trusting relationship. The three most important characteristics of the principal coaching experience are confidentiality, coaching preparation, and building relationships