Are We Burned Out? A Multiyear Statewide Study of Pre-K–12 Superintendents

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Fifteen
  In Roundtable Session: Research on the Superintendency SIG (#97) Roundtable: Supervision, Identity, Retention, and Justice (Table 8)

Abstract

Despite the wealth of literature that shows policy enforcement, psychological and social stressors, and additional routine job duties of the superintendent position cause burnout (Johnson et al., 2020; Hawk and Martin, 2011; Lefdal & Jong, 2020; Myers, 2011), comparatively neglected is literature on the source of these stressors. The purpose of this study was to conduct a multi-year statewide study of P-12 superintendent burnout. Superintendent participants (n=124 and n=81) completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) which addresses three subscales: 1.) personal burnout, 2.) work-related burnout, and 3.) client-related burnout. The participants in the second year reported slightly greater burnout than participants in the first year. Superintendents consistently experienced the greatest burnout through emotional exhaustion and tiredness.

Authors

• Nicole V. Schilling, University of Findlay
  Presenting Author

• Kyle Wagner, The University of Findlay
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kristie M. Fetty, Malone University
  Presenting Author

• Beth S Yoder, Archbold Area Schools
  Presenting Author