A Qualitative Study on the Challenges Faced by Middle School Administrators and Their Problem-Solving Strategies

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the problems encountered by principals and vice principals working in public middle schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Türkiye, along with the strategies they employ to resolve these problems. The research is based on a qualitative phenomenological design. The study group consists of 14 school administrators serving during the 2023–2024 academic year. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Findings revealed that school administrators face problems in four main categories: teacher-related, parent-related, student-related, and system-related. Participants identified a total of 30 distinct issues and proposed 21 solution strategies. System-related issues – such as the lack of support staff, inadequate physical infrastructure, budget shortages, and restricted administrative authority – emerged as particularly critical. The study also found that school administrators tend to see these challenges as personal responsibilities, but experience difficulties in resolving them due to limited authority. The results provide practical insights for improving school leadership and policymaking in educational management. In addressing these problems, they explained that they used methods such as establishing communication, providing training, conducting guidance activities, developing projects, and utilizing local resources.