| 英文摘要 |
This study aimed to explore the educational leadership experiences, strategies, and meaning-making of a rural elementary school principal under the pressures of declining student enrollment and school consolidation. Taking Ersi Elementary School as a case study, the research employed narrative inquiry, utilizing the principal’s reflective writings, in-depth interviews, and school documents and policy analyses to reconstruct the core meanings and practices of educational leadership. The findings indicated that rural principals faced multiple challenges, including a declining student population, high teacher turnover, limited community resources, and policy pressures. However, through vision co-construction, team cohesion, curriculum innovation, and active engagement with the community, the principal was able to lead the school effectively, demonstrating both educational mission and life-oriented leadership. In addition, the study revealed that narrative inquiry had not only captured the authentic experiences of educational practice but also facilitated the principal’s self-awareness, professional growth, and reflective practice, deepening the understanding and enactment of leadership principles. Based on the findings, the study offered practical recommendations for rural education policy adjustment, principal professional development, and school-community interaction, aiming to provide theoretical and practical references for educational administrators, school leaders, and researchers, and to promote sustainable development and educational equity in rural areas. |