THE PROFILE OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF RIO CLARO/SP

Abstract

This article is an excerpt from a master’s thesis entitled “The Identity and Professionalization of School Principals in Rio Claro/SP” and aims to investigate the profile of school principals in this municipal network, as well as the evolution of the role and identity of school principals over time. The research discusses the evolution of the professionalization of the position of school principal, from its inception to current models, highlighting the formation of professional identity and the life history of each individual. Additionally, it provides a detailed analysis of the educational legislation that assigns responsibility for school success to the principal, emphasizing the crucial role played by leadership and educational management in achieving this goal. Regarding the specific context of Rio Claro/SP, it details the means of access to the position of principal, as well as the responsibilities outlined in the local Teaching Statute. Data collected through questionnaires revealed common elements in the profile and identity of school principals, such as age range, marital status, gender, and educational background, along with previous teaching experience in the municipal network. The research was conducted using structured and semi-structured questionnaires, along with content analysis of the responses to identify the constituent elements of school principals' identity. The data were categorized according to rigorous criteria to ensure the validity and relevance of the conclusions obtained. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive analysis of the function, profile, and identity of school principals. The study contextualizes this topic within the educational landscape of Rio Claro/SP and offers relevant information for understanding the current functioning of school management.