ISSN: 2782-893X
eISSN: 2799-0664
ISSN: 2782- 893X
— This study investigated the leadership preparedness of aspiring school heads in the DepEd Samar Division. The primary goal was to identify their strengths and weaknesses to propose a targeted leadership development program. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 95 aspiring school heads— teachers and administrators—within the division. The questionnaire assessed their preparedness across four domains: school culture and climate, instructional leadership, organizational systems, and talent management, using a five-point Likert scale. Demographic information was also collected to explore potential correlations. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentages), correlation analysis, and ANOVA. The findings revealed a high level of overall leadership preparedness among the participants. Specifically, they demonstrated very high levels of preparedness in fostering positive school culture and climate, and in talent management. Instructional leadership preparedness was also high, though with slightly more variability in responses. However, preparedness in organizational systems was rated as high, indicating a need for further development in this area. This suggests that while aspiring school heads feel confident in their ability to create positive learning environments and manage staff effectively, they may require additional training and support in managing the operational and administrative aspects of school leadership. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between age, years of service, and leadership preparedness. This indicates that accumulated experience is a key factor in developing leadership readiness. In contrast, gender, marital status, and educational attainment were not significantly related to leadership preparedness. ANOVA analysis confirmed that age was the only demographic variable significantly influencing leadership preparedness levels. The most frequently reported challenges included a lack of confidence in transitioning to a leadership role, limited access to formal leadership training, and financial constraints in accessing such training. Other challenges included a lack of practical leadership experience, difficulties in balancing personal and professional responsibilities, and insufficient mentorship opportunities. In conclusion, while aspiring school heads in the DepEd Samar Division demonstrate significant readiness for leadership roles, particularly in areas related to culture, instruction, and talent management, a targeted leadership development program is recommended. This program should address the identified challenges by focusing on building confidence, providing access to relevant training and mentorship, and offering opportunities for practical experience in organizational management. The program should also consider the varying levels of experience among aspiring leaders, offering tailored support to meet their specific needs. Further research could explore the long-term effectiveness of such a program and identify other factors influencing sustained success in educational leadership. Keywords — Leadership Preparedness, Aspiring School Heads, Samar, Instructional Leadership, Organizational Systems, Talent Management, School Culture, Leadership Development Program, Self-Efficacy, Transformational Leadership