A Survey of Rural Principals: Preferences Regarding Teacher Candidates

Abstract

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.

Homeward Bound: Educational Leaders’ Perceptions of Hiring Repatriating International Teachers

“…Rural divisions may be one area for international teachers to target, given the lower amount of competition. However, as Diamond et al (2020) shared, teachers may need more than one certification and should be aware of the differences of living and working in a rural community. International teachers may also wish to maintain some form of connection to educational leaders while working abroad, although this may be cumbersome if the teacher is unaware of when and where they will repatriate.…”