Mufuruki, Deusdediti2024-03-182024-03-182023Mufuruki, D. (2023). Exploration of school leadership succession planning strategies among selected public primary schools in Dodoma city, Tanzania. (Master's Dissertation) The University of Dodomahttps://repository.udom.ac.tz/handle/20.500.12661/4316Dissertation ( Educational Management and Administration)The purpose of the study was to explore the school leadership succession planning strategies among the selected public primary schools in Dodoma city, Tanzania. The study was guided by three specific objectives namely; to explore the school leadership qualities considered in school leadership succession planning in public primary schools, to examine the school leadership succession planning strategies used in public primary schools and to examine the perceptions of teachers towards appointment of public primary school leaders. The study used qualitative approach and employed descriptive phenomenological research design. The study involved 38 informants who included head teachers, deputy head teachers, teachers and ward education officers. Data were collected through in-depth interview and focus group discussion. The data generated were analyzed through thematic analysis procedures. The study revealed that the most considered qualities for school leadership succession planning include, commitment and hardworking, level of education, positive behavior and work experience. The study findings revealed that school succession planning strategies in public primary schools involve practical experiences and through different activities performed at schools which include job rotation, delegation of power, in service leadership training and teachers’ involvement in decision making. The study also revealed that the newly appointed head teachers receive induction course on school leadership after appointment. However, it was revealed that induction course is less continuously provided to the appointed head teachers. The study concluded that the strategies for school leadership succession planning are less formalized because teachers get leadership skills through practical experiences and activities performed at school. The head teacher’ prior formal training in school leadership before the appointment and in- service service training on school leadership after appointment is less provided in public primary schools. The study recommended formal programs to prepare the head teachers before being appointed as school leaders.enSchool leadershipPlanning strategiesSuccession strategiesSchool planningSchool succession planningThesis