Work

Certified but Unprepared: Principals Expose the Disconnect Between Leadership Education and School Realities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This qualitative study examined how practicing principals across seven Arab states experienced leadership preparation amid rapid educational change. Based on interviews with sixteen principals, the study reveals a stark misalignment between formal curricula—perceived as outdated, managerial, and theory-heavy—and the dynamic demands of school leadership today. Participants found greater relevance and growth within global virtual networks, marked by autonomy, peer exchange, and contextual responsiveness. A recurring tension emerged: universities provided credentials, while virtual spaces fostered leadership capacity. These findings challenge prevailing assumptions and urge a reimagining of preparation models that are adaptive, grounded, and digitally attuned.

Source: Journal of Research on Leadership Education

DOI: 10.1177/19427751251413193

Authors: Norma Ghamrawi, Norma Ghamrawi, Tarek Shal, Najah A.R. Ghamrawi, Najah A.R. Ghamrawi

Institutions: Lebanese University, Qatar University

Language: English

Topic: Teacher Education and Leadership Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400