Walking the leadership tightrope : a qualitative investigation of working principals’ experience of work-life balance

In the years following the Covid-19 pandemic, concerns about educator anxiety, frustration, and burnout have risen. Schools face increased challenges in recruiting and retaining effective teachers. Though less publicized, there is also worry about the challenges that could drive principals from the profession. Many principals express dissatisfaction as well as struggles with physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Survey data indicates many feel improved work-life balance could be key to keeping them in the profession. Based off this data and the research-supported connection between work-life balance and wellness outcomes, effectiveness, and retention, this study sought to explore the working principal’s experience of work-life balance, the impacts they perceive from their experience, and the mechanisms they employ to manage the interaction between work and non-work spheres of life. The study employed qualitative methods to surface the individual experiences of principals and lay the groundwork for future research as well as individual and systemic supports that might equip principals for health, success, and longevity in their leadership roles.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Leadership and Policy(MU)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Columbia

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Love, Edwin Andrew

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Lee, Se Woong

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32469/10355/109002

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/109002