Greater attention is now being directed at issues associated with the professional development of new school leaders. This paper identifies some of the major concerns of beginning school leaders across different nations, some of which include needs for knowledge about basic managerial skills, adequate socialization to the job, and a sense of self. The paper offers directions for future research: (1) studies of school-reform proposals (such as centralized assessment, new demands to work with political bodies, and open enrollment) and their relationship to beginners' needs; (2) changing societal issues and their impact on beginning principals; and (3) an increased focus on the professional development of school leaders. (LMI)