Perspectives of German and U.S. Principals Regarding Disincentives to Remaining a School Principal

• In Event: 14.017 - International and Global Perspectives on Principal Practice

Abstract

The influence of school leadership on a school’s performance is undisputed in both Germany and the United States. Despite its importance, recruiting and retaining principals poses significant challenges in both countries. The current study sought to determine factors that influence school principals’ decisions to remain in their positions. Whereas previous research focused on the perspectives of aspiring principals enrolled in principal preparation programs in school leadership, the current study sought the perspectives of current school principals in the United States and Germany. Questioned about their levels of current and expected job satisfaction, this study uncovered important findings regarding areas in which principals in both countries were dissatisfied about the principalship. Implications for school leadership are discussed.

Authors

• Dawson R. Hancock, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Ulrich Müller, Pädagogische Hochschule Ludwigsburg, University of Education