Certified but Unprepared: Principals Expose the Disconnect Between Leadership Education and School Realities

This qualitative study examined how practicing principals across seven Arab states experienced leadership preparation amid rapid educational change. Based on interviews with sixteen principals, the study reveals a stark misalignment between formal curricula—perceived as outdated, managerial, and theory-heavy—and the dynamic demands of school leadership today. Participants found greater relevance and growth within global virtual networks, marked by autonomy, peer exchange, and contextual responsiveness. A recurring tension emerged: universities provided credentials, while virtual spaces fostered leadership capacity. These findings challenge prevailing assumptions and urge a reimagining of preparation models that are adaptive, grounded, and digitally attuned.