Abstract

The purpose of this researcher was to examine the in-service experiences of seven headteachers in Luwinga ward in Mzuzu, Malawi, and the challenges they encountered in their first year on the job. A modified version of the questionnaire and interview guide developed by the members of the International Study of the Preparation of Principals at the University of Calgary, Canada was used to conduct this study. The collected data were clustered, coded, analyzed and interpreted. The findings suggest that opportunities for pre-service and in-service headteacher training in Mzuzu are almost nonexistent. Training is ad hoc, idiosyncratic and does not seem to follow a specific pattern. Criteria for the selection of headteachers include a successful record of teaching, prior record of leadership in school or outside, religious affiliation, a university certificate or degree and last but not least political influence. In the last section, the author offers recommendations.

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