Designing a Coaching Model for Primary School Principals

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student, Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Damavand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damavand, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Governance and Human Capital, Yadegar Imam Khomeini (RA) Branch, Shahr-e Ray, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran.

10.22098/ael.2025.18309.1637

Abstract

Background and Objective: Elementary school principals operate within a complex educational environment and face numerous challenges, including managing change, enhancing teaching quality, and supporting teachers' professional development. Coaching, as a novel approach, can serve as an effective tool for empowering principals, strengthening their leadership skills, and improving educational performance. This study was conducted with the aim of designing a coaching model for elementary school principals to enhance their leadership and managerial skills and mitigate the complex challenges within the educational environment.

research methodology: This applied research employed a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with elementary school principals in Tehran (with a minimum of 15 years of management experience) and coaching experts. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding methods.

Findings: The findings revealed that the coaching model for elementary school principals comprises four main components: 1) Individual and Organizational Grounding (principals' experience, school culture, personalized coaching); 2) Supportive and Managerial Structure (resource allocation, administrative support, professional development policies); 3) Educational Coaching Process (coach-principal interaction, collaborative goal-setting, continuous feedback); and 4) Coaching Outcomes (improved leadership, enhanced teaching quality, strengthened school collaboration). Coaching can serve as an effective tool to empower school principals in confronting managerial challenges, leading to improved educational performance and student learning. The successful implementation of this model requires support from educational institutions, the allocation of sufficient resources, and flexibility to adapt to the diverse conditions of schools.

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