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Transition to the principalship: a scary leap? Michael Bezzina Australian Catholic University Slide 2 Slide 3 The national context An impending shortage in applicants for principalship In 2008 the average age of principals was 50, and 25% were over 55. Pincer: Increasing vacancies, decreasing applications Slide 4 The transitions Gronn, 1999 Formation (birth to young adulthood) Accession (grooming and rehearsal) A time of active consideration, emotional labour Need the time and space to try on roles Incumbency (attainment and experience) Divestiture (moving out) Slide 5 What influences the decision to become a principal? The potential principal The school and the system The wider community Slide 6 HOW NOT TO MAKE A JOB LOOK APPEALING Slide 7 The potential principal Sense of efficacy Personal values Personal experience Perceptions of principalship Self and family Gender Race Slide 8 Slide 9 The system and school Salary Recruitment processes School resourcing Slide 10 The wider community Diversity of student populations Public perception of schooling Slide 11 A message from . Slide 12 How can we help? Take a whole of career stance its too late when they are on the threshold Situate the experience in the context of explicit career planning Focus on building a sense of personal and professional efficacy Build on real life situations Provide positive role models of a wide range of approaches to principalship Provide access to good mentors during the transition and beyond Focus on the unique concerns of women and minority groups.