Exploring the Lived Experiences of School Heads: Leadership Challenges and Successes

This qualitative study explored the leadership journey of public elementary school heads in Governor Generoso North District, Division of Davao Oriental. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD) involving ten (10) school heads, providing rich insights into their lived experiences, leadership challenges, coping mechanisms, and educational management practices. Three major themes emerged regarding their leadership experiences: managing teacher motivation and staff well-being, transforming leadership through innovation, and prioritizing instructional leadership and student outcomes. In response to these challenges, school heads employed key coping mechanisms, including building emotional resilience and self-regulation, facilitating delegation and trust, and promoting peer and community collaboration. Furthermore, the study identified three essential insights into educational management: navigating leadership in complex environments, fostering capacity building and effective delegation, and embracing shared leadership and collaborative governance. The findings contribute to strengthening leadership development programs by emphasizing responsive, context-based, and sustainable leadership practices. This study supports the enhancement of school performance, teacher empowerment, and student learning outcomes.