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The aim of this research was to semantically represent the phenomenon of professional identity of high school principals and also to propose a paradigmatic model for it. The research methodology was qualitative and the research population included all high school principals of the three educational districts in Kermānshāh, among whom, 24 people were interviewed based on the principle of theoretical saturation. Data were analyzed through grounded theory method and using Maxqda software. Findings showed that casual conditions of the phenomenon of professional identity included the specialized knowledge, professional skills and philosophy of the profession. Contextual conditions included professional capacity and professional tendency; intervening conditions included routine management and coercive organizational structure; and also effective strategies on professional identity included the professional co-thinking and interaction and human relations based on the mutual understanding and the consequences of professional identity, being a role model in one's profession, professional pride and being attracted to one's profession. Finally, the core category of the research, i.e., “professional identity of the high school principals in terms of understanding oneself as a professional, and catalyst for the professional progress" was formed which wasmore abstract and comprehensive than the other core categories. Ultimately, the identified core themes were drawn in the form of the paradigm model of Strauss and Corbin.According to the results of interview with experts, it can be said that the formation and development of professional identity of high school principals is a necessity that increases the motivation, improves the skills of the principals and provides valuable services to the community and others.