Lived Experiences of Multi-Grade Teachers regarding the Role of Educational Leaders (Teacher Advisors) in Improving the Educational Situation of Schools in Charavimaq City

The purpose of this research was to investigate the lived experiences of multi-grade teachers about the role of educational leaders in improving the education situation of multi-grade schools in Charavimaq city. The research was conducted with the qualitative method of experimental phenomenology and with the tool of unstructured interview. The research population was 158 teachers of multi-grade rural elementary schools in Charavimaq city in the academic year 2010-2012 , and a number of them were selected as a sample in a purposeful way based on criteria (with intensity sampling technique). The research reached theoretical saturation after conducting 21 interviews. During the interviews, teachers of multi-grade schools expressed their experiences of the role and activities of principals, which were analyzed with the seven-step method of Claisey. The findings of the research were as follows: 1) Due to the conditions of the region and some problems prevailing in multi-level schools in the region, the principals do not spend most of their energy on education and try to solve other issues besides paying attention to educational issues. 2) In addition to educational issues, leaders influence teachers and students in the area of psychological assistance. 3) Leaders are working as a communication bridge of the regional education department and also overseeing the implementation of the directives and orders of the higher authorities. 4) Leaders are trying to pay attention and organize students with learning disabilities and provide the basis for not rejecting them. 5) In order to improve education, leaders try to change teachers' teaching methods and increase their awareness; also, in this context, they are trying to identify the factors that hinder learning, provide solutions to improve the situation and monitor its implementation. The results of the research showed that considering the positive role of educational leaders in helping teachers, it is necessary to strengthen them through various methods, including improving in-service training, making their role and place in education and training more prominent, and choosing the right leaders.