School Heads Beyond their Comfort Zones: Notions on Reassignment

Reassigning school heads goes beyond being just another policy; it is a significant shift in leadership that pushes them out of their comfort zones. It calls for adaptability, trust, and personal growth. This study examines into the real-life experiences of school heads who were reassigned in the 1st District of Capiz, Philippines, focusing on the emotional, professional, and personal adjustments they had to make. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, six school leaders were purposively selected for in-depth interviews, allowing thematic analysis to uncover key insights. The findings highlight professional growth, adaptive leadership, and policy implementation, with sub-themes such as career advancement, stakeholder engagement, instructional leadership, and coping strategies illustrating the complexities of reassignment. While school heads generally view reassignment as an opportunity for development, ethical leadership, and professional refinement, challenges such as leaving familiar environments, facing resistance, and adjusting to new school cultures remain. Although the process aligns with DepEd’s strategic goals, concerns over favoritism and the absence of a formal evaluation system persist, particularly at the secondary level. Leadership styles among reassigned school heads were largely adaptive and collaborative, integrating transformational, democratic, and situational approaches tailored to their new school settings. This study found that although reassignment can be a difficult experience for school heads, often bringing emotional strain and professional uncertainty, it also opens doors to unexpected growth. Many of the participants shared how the transition pushed them to adapt quickly, build new relationships, and find rediscover purpose in their leadership. These narratives show that, beyond the initial discomfort, reassignment can actually spark resilience, creativity, and professional development. In light of these insights, the study introduces an action plan called Reassignment and Readiness. Its goal is to better support school leaders during transitions by offering practical steps such as structured orientation, mentorship, stakeholder collaboration, and strategies for emotional well-being. The aim is to help leaders not only adjust, but also thrive in their new environments.

Professional and personal growth, leadership transitions, management strategies

1. Abarico, J. M. (2023). Challenges of the newly promoted school heads in school leadership: A case study in a public school setting. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377852253 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Agravante, A. F., Digo, B. M., & Janer, A. B. (2023). School heads’ leadership practices in the new normal, administrative disposition, and readiness of the public schools in Laguna. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355801724 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Alcantara, M. R. (2023). Managing change and leadership mobility in public schools: A qualitative study on reassigned school heads. Asian Journal of Educational Management, 41(1), 77–91. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Amil, E. M., & Panes, C. P. (2023). School heads' instructional leadership styles and administrative challenges as perceived by school heads and teachers in the Philippines. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390089823 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Anabo, R. M., & Rapada Jr., S. P. (2024). Transformational and authoritative leadership styles: Their impact on teacher performance in Eastern Samar. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 32(1), 17–29. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2024/v32i1722 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Anderson, M. S., & Smith, R. L. (2022). Navigating leadership challenges in times of crisis: School principals’ adaptive strategies during COVID-19. Journal of Educational Leadership and Management, 40(3), 250–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2022.2047896 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Barrera, J. P., & Vizconde, C. J. (2023). Understanding teacher experiences amidst principal reshuffling: A phenomenological inquiry. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382348391 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Bass, B. M. (1990). From transactional to transformational leadership: Learning to share the vision. Organizational Dynamics, 18(3), 19–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/0090-2616(90)90061-S [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Bautista, A. S., & Rabaya, J. M. (2021). Digital leadership and teacher job satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from the Philippines. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 20(6), 223–238. https://ijlter.myres.net/index.php/ijlter/article/view/1428 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Baylon, R., Manla, M., & Mahinay, J. (2025). Level of School-Based Management (SBM) practices and its relationship with academic performance among school heads in DepEd Cagayan de Oro City Division. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Bradshaw, C., Atkinson, S., & Doody, O. (2017). Employing a qualitative description approach in health care research. Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 4, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333393617742282 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Burch, P., & Spillane, J. P. (2003). Leading from the middle: The role of school leaders in school reform. Educational Administration Quarterly, 39(1), 82–104. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013161X02239709 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Cajes, D. M., & Pame, M. R. (2024). School heads' instructional leadership styles and administrative challenges as perceived by school heads and teachers in the Philippines. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390089823 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. California Department of Education. (n.d.). Leaders - Quality Schooling Framework. https://www.cde.ca.gov/qs/sl/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Calumpang, L. P. (2022). School leadership and teachers’ commitment to change: A basis for leadership enhancement program. Journal of Education, Management and Development Studies, 2(1), 46–57. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=25448 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Castañeros, J. P., Tañajura, J. J. S., & Tan, D. A. (2023). Challenges of the newly promoted school heads in school leadership: A case study in a public school setting. American Journal of Educational Research, 11(7), 467–478. https://doi.org/10.12691/education-11-7-3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Corporate Finance Institute. (n.d.). Management theories. Corporate Finance Institute. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/management-theories/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Creswell, J. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (3rd ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Cruz, P. R., & Lopez, J. M. (2023). The impact of transformational leadership on teacher motivation during the pandemic: Evidence from Philippine public schools. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 51(2), 180–195. https://doi.org/10.1177/17411432231123456 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Day, C. (2017). The role of school leadership in educational reform: Exploring the dynamics of change. Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. De Jesus, F. R., & Lim, C. M. (2022). Leadership styles and their impact on educational outcomes in the Philippines: A systematic review. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385877497 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Dela Cruz, R. M. (2021). Risk aversion in educational leadership: A study on reassigned school heads. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 17(3), 244–259. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Delgado, A., & Reyes, T. F. (2021). School heads’ leadership styles and their influence on remote teaching effectiveness. International Journal of Educational Research, 105, 101711. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2021.101711 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Esogon, R. J., & Gumban, M. A. (2024). The role of transformational leadership in enhancing school effectiveness: A study of public school heads in Bacolod City. Journal of Educational Management, 45(2), 88–102. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Fullan, M. (2016). The new meaning of educational change (5th ed.). Teachers College Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Gagani, J. D., & Mananay, C. A. (2024). Leading during crises: Resilience strategies of school heads amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 8(1), 45–60. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Gamala, M. E., & Marpa, E. P. (2022). School heads’ managerial skills and school performance in the 6th Congressional District of Negros Occidental, Philippines. International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES), 8(3), 441–453. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1345025.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Garcia, R. A., & Aquino, S. M. (2022). System justification in educational institutions: The role of school heads in maintaining the status quo. Journal of Educational Psychology, 32(4), 56–72. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Gonzales, D., & Roberts, T. (2025). Realities of leading change: Challenges and successes in school leadership. Journal of Educational Leadership and Practice, 12(1). https://journals.sagepub.com/eprint/FWVWN7KJXGBMCVNQHZSY/full [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Halevi, H., & Schechter, C. (2023). The making of resilient school leaders: Personal and contextual factors. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 26(3), 335–349. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603124.2022.2046981 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Hallinger, P., & Heck, R. H. (2010). Collaborative leadership and school improvement: Understanding the impact on school capacity and student learning. School Leadership & Management, 30(2), 95–110. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632431003663214 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Harris, A., & Jones, M. (2020). Leadership in times of transition: Lessons for school leaders. International Journal of Educational Leadership, 15(1), 75–92. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Keleş, M. K., & Özel, S. A. (2016). A review of distance learning and learning management systems. In D. Cvetković (Ed.), Virtual learning (pp. 1–19). IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/65222 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Kirk, D., & MacLellan, R. (2015). Re-assignment and leadership: The emotional journey of school leaders. Educational Researcher, 44(3), 107–116. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Knowles, M. S. (2015). The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development (8th ed.). Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Ko, J. (2024). Transformational leadership in Korean schools: Exploring the role of self-efficacy and adaptive strategies. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 44(1), 57–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2023.2278553 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Lamas, M. A. (2015). Understanding school performance: A comprehensive approach. International Journal of Educational Studies, 3(1), 15–22. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Leithwood, K., Harris, A., & Hopkins, D. (2020). Seven strong claims about successful school leadership revisited. School Leadership & Management, 40(1), 5–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2019.1596077 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Liu, Y., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2019). Factors affecting school leadership success in times of change. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 47(3), 404–420. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Lopez, M. L., & Ensari, N. (2017). The role of leadership and communication in the re-assignment of professionals. Journal of Leadership Studies, 11(3), 43–50. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Madamba, M., Gañgan, M. C., Diano, J. R., & Maglangit, J. (2023). Capability enhancement plan for school heads based on the national competency-based standards for school heads. American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation, 2(6), 91–97. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7841504 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Martin, J. A., & Rose, D. (2021). Working with discourse: Meaning beyond the clause. Bloomsbury Publishing. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Massaba, J. (2025). The role of systems in leadership. EAGLE LEAD. https://medium.com/eagle-lead/the-role-of-systems-in-leadership-36643ab4acf1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Matulin, L. J., & Melchor, C. V. (2024). Change management strategies of school heads and their influence on teacher innovation in Panabo City. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR), 10(4), 234–240. https://eprajournals.com/IJCM/article/13066 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Nalla, R. C., & Camaya, D. M. (2023). Adaptability of the novice school heads on the dimensions of leadership practices in SDO City of Malolos: Basis for technical assistance. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 2(1), 15–24. https://www.ujer.org/vol2no1/article123 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Oxford University Press. (2024). Innovation. In Oxford English Dictionary. https://www.oed.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Palma, M. L., & Balagtas, M. S. (2022). The experiences of novice academic heads in school leadership. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(3), 179–196. https://www.ijlter.org/index.php/ijlter/article/view/2124 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Panganiban, J. C. (2019). Reassigned school leaders and school effectiveness: An exploratory study in Philippine public schools. Philippine Journal of Educational Leadership, 27(2), 45–59. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Perez, J. E. (2023). Navigating educational leadership challenges: Transformations and policy implications for Filipino principals. The Asian Journal of Education and Human Development, 4(1). https://ajehd.unp.edu.ph/index.php/ajehd/article/view/75 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Postrero, J. A., & Chieng, M. L. P. (2024). Overcoming the challenges of reassigning school heads: A phenomenological study on the reshuffling policy. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 10(10), 1–10. https://eprajournals.com/IJMR/article/14101 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. Ramos, J. P. (2023). Institutional pressures on leadership transitions in Philippine schools. Asia Pacific Journal of Educational Leadership, 11(2), 78–91. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. Robinson, V. M. J., Hohepa, M. K., & Lloyd, C. A. (2009). School leadership and student outcomes: Identifying what works and why. Best Evidence Synthesis Programme. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. Sachs, J. (2017). The changing role of the school leader: A case study of leadership in the 21st century. Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. Samuelson, W., & Zeckhauser, R. (1988). Status quo bias in decision making. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 1(1), 7–59. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

57. Sandelowski, M. (2010), What's in a name? Qualitative description revisited. Res. Nurs. Health, 33: 77-84. https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.20362 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

58. Santos, M. J., & Villanueva, A. P. (2024). Leadership resilience among school principals during educational disruptions: A mixed-methods study. Journal of School Leadership, 34(1), 75–92. https://doi.org/10.1177/10526846231176543 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

59. Schechter, C., & Halevi, H. (2023). Beyond comfort zones: Leadership growth through adversity in school transitions. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 51(2), 215–231. https://doi.org/10.1177/17411432221081294 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

60. Soriano, M. P. (2022). The role of Philippine school principals as community leaders in times of educational reform. International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research, 4(2), 88–102. https://risejournals.org/index.php/imjrise/article/view/873 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

61. Tañiza, F. N. (2024). Challenges and experiences of school heads and teachers in educational leadership: A mixed method. International Multidisciplinary Journal of Research for Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence. https://risejournals.org/index.php/imjrise/article/view/352 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

62. Tanucan, J. C. M., Negrido, C. V., & Malaga, G. N. (2022). Digital leadership of school heads and job satisfaction of teachers in the Philippines during the pandemic. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(8), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.8.1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

63. Torres, C. M. (2024). Leadership styles and their impact on educational outcomes in the Philippines: A systematic review. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385877497_Leadership_Styles_and_Their_Impact_on_Educational_Outcomes_in_the_Philippines [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

64. Uy, F. T., Sasan, J. M., & Kilag, O. K. (2023). School principal administrative-supervisory leadership during the pandemic: A phenomenological qualitative study. International Journal of Theory and Application in Elementary and Secondary School Education, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.31098/ijtaese.v5i1.1208 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

65. Velasco, I. S., De Leon, N. R., & Sanglitan, G. R. (2024). Leadership challenges during the pandemic and their influence on school heads’ performance. International Journal of Academic Management Science Research, 8(2), 17–37. https://ijeais.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/2/abs/IJAMSR240203.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

66. Villar, A. (2021). The correlation between leadership style of school heads and school climate in public elementary schools in Quezon City, Philippines. University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP NCPAG). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

67. Villanueva, J. R., Disu, A. G., & Villanueva, J. M. (2021). Leadership competencies of school heads: Basis for professional development. Open Access Library Journal, 8, 1–12. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=113225 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

68. Vroom, V. H., & Jago, A. G. (2017). The role of the situation in leadership. American Psychologist, 62(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.62.1.17 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study