Current Situation and Solutions for Developing Secondary School Principals in the North Central Region of Vietnam From a Job Position Approach

The principal plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education, especially in secondary schools where students transition from foundational to advanced knowledge. In the North Central region of Vietnam, the development of secondary school principals faces specific challenges due to socio-economic disparities, limited infrastructure, and uneven digital readiness. This paper analyzes the current situation of secondary school principals in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces, focusing on their competencies, limitations, and factors affecting their performance. Using the Job Position Approach, integrated with digital and AI competencies, the study proposes solutions for developing principals to meet the requirements of educational reform and digital transformation. Findings reveal significant gaps in digital literacy, AI application, and systematic leadership development. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for policymakers, training institutions, and school leaders.