A Survey of Rural Principals: Preferences Regarding Teacher Candidates

Rural school principals continue to have difficulty hiring and retaining qualified teachers. Researchers have sought to determine the preferred type of preparation programs and the specific characteristics of teacher candidates, but few have specifically focused on the perceptions of the rural princ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Rural special education quarterly 2020-09, Vol.39 (3), p.138-151
Main Authors: Diamond, Lindsay L., Demchak, MaryAnn, Abernathy, Tammy V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administrator Attitudes
Administrator Characteristics
Administrator Education
Administrator Surveys
Educational Attainment
Elementary Secondary Education
Employment Qualifications
Job Applicants
Personnel Selection
Preservice Teachers
Principals
Quality of education
Rural Schools
School principals
Special education
Specialization
Teacher Certification
Teacher education
Teacher Education Programs
Teacher Selection
Teaching Experience
Teaching Skills
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Summary:Rural school principals continue to have difficulty hiring and retaining qualified teachers. Researchers have sought to determine the preferred type of preparation programs and the specific characteristics of teacher candidates, but few have specifically focused on the perceptions of the rural principal. The purpose of this study was to understand current rural school principals’ perceptions regarding various factors affecting the selection of teacher candidates. Using an online, cross-sectional survey of rural school principals, data were collected to understand their perspectives regarding various factors that may affect the selection of potential teacher candidates. Results indicate that rural principals prefer to hire applicants who have completed a traditional 4-year college/university preparation program. In addition, when reviewing applicant materials they look for specific factors such as experience, those who are known in the community, cooperating/lead teacher evaluations, and areas of licenses held among teacher candidates. Rural school principals specifically reported a preference toward hiring applicants who hold a dual license in elementary and special education.
ISSN:8756-8705
2168-8605
DOI:10.1177/8756870520912996