Through their eyes: perceptions of the Guilford County schools coaching model for new principals at the time of coaching

The purpose of this research was to study new principals' experiences during their participation in the Guilford County Schools Coaching Model. The study revolved around the new principals' perceptions and reflections on how well the model prepared them for the journey of the first year(s) of the principalship. Data were gathered from current and former Guilford County Schools principals who experienced the coaching model within the first five years of the program. Principals participated in a survey and interviews reflecting on their experience with the coaching model. The coaching model's directors were also interviewed to provide additional background information. The evidence shows that coaching did have a positive impact on the perceived success level of new principals during their first year(s) on the job. Despite the issues that principals had with aspects of the coaching model, the overall experience provided them with a sense of success and confidence. From the data, the experience and knowledge of their coaches, as well as the trust and confidentiality brought to the relationship between both parties, made the most impact on the success felt by the principals. Principals also discussed the insufficient time they had with their coaches. Many of the participants expressed issues with the amount of time to meet with their coach and the time they had with their coach (one academic year versus two years)