ABSTRACT The first of the critical components of selecting a qualified principal is related to the principal selection process and the second is related to the motivation of teachers to become principals. In the research, these two critical components were discussed together within the framework of Rawl’s theory of socıal justıce. According to the theory, the organization of public resources and services in a way that provides fair and equal opportunities for each individual is important for the development of a sense of justice and trust in individuals. Hermeneutic phenomenological design was used in the research. The focus was on the meanings that participants who experienced the principal selection process created about their experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five teachers, five vice principals and 10 school principals. The research results showed that injustice in the selection of principals in Türkiye is considered a common problem, and that equity-based problems in the selection of school principals are reflected in teachers’ motivation to become principals. It has been suggested that selection policies based on equity should be developed by ensuring the participation of teachers and school administrators in decisions that affect the career choices of school leaders and by taking into account master-apprentice relationships in the selection of principals.
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