The Relationship of Principal Leadership and Teacher Morale
i
The Relationship of Principal Leadership and Teacher Morale
A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the School of Education Liberty University
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education
By Keith A. Rowland March 2008
ii
The Relationship of Principal Leadership and Teacher Morale by Keith A. Rowland
APPROVED: COMMITTEE CHAIR Clarence C. Holland, Ed.D.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Samuel J. Smith, Ed.D.
Mark Angle, Ed.D.
CHAIR, GRADUATE STUDIES
Scott B. Watson, Ph.D.
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Abstract Keith A. Rowland. THE RELATIONSHIP OF PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER MORALE. (Under the direction of Dr. Clarence Holland) School of Education, March, 2008. This Study examined the relationship of the leadership practices of middle school principals and the morale of the teachers in these schools. Seven middle schools in a Metropolitan Atlanta school system participated in the study. The Leadership Practices Inventory was used to collect information on the principal practices and the Purdue Teacher Opinionaire was used to collect information on teacher morale. Results indicated that principal leadership and teacher morale were significantly correlated and that the leadership practice of Enable Others to Act had the strongest positive correlation to teacher morale. These results imply that a principal’s daily behavior plays a vital role in the environment of the school. Implications for practice and recommendations for further research are also included.
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Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my parents, Gary and Dinah, who have always supported me fully and have made it possible for me to achieve my educational goals. Without them, this would not have been possible.
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Acknowledgements The following people must be thanked and recognized for their contributions to this work. They have all helped to make the process of writing this dissertation successful. The committee chair, Dr. Clarence Holland,
The Relationship of Principal Leadership and Teacher Morale
A Dissertation Presented to the Faculty of the School of Education Liberty University
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Education
By Keith A. Rowland March 2008
ii
The Relationship of Principal Leadership and Teacher Morale by Keith A. Rowland
APPROVED: COMMITTEE CHAIR Clarence C. Holland, Ed.D.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Samuel J. Smith, Ed.D.
Mark Angle, Ed.D.
CHAIR, GRADUATE STUDIES
Scott B. Watson, Ph.D.
iii
Abstract Keith A. Rowland. THE RELATIONSHIP OF PRINCIPAL LEADERSHIP AND TEACHER MORALE. (Under the direction of Dr. Clarence Holland) School of Education, March, 2008. This Study examined the relationship of the leadership practices of middle school principals and the morale of the teachers in these schools. Seven middle schools in a Metropolitan Atlanta school system participated in the study. The Leadership Practices Inventory was used to collect information on the principal practices and the Purdue Teacher Opinionaire was used to collect information on teacher morale. Results indicated that principal leadership and teacher morale were significantly correlated and that the leadership practice of Enable Others to Act had the strongest positive correlation to teacher morale. These results imply that a principal’s daily behavior plays a vital role in the environment of the school. Implications for practice and recommendations for further research are also included.
iv
Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my parents, Gary and Dinah, who have always supported me fully and have made it possible for me to achieve my educational goals. Without them, this would not have been possible.
v
Acknowledgements The following people must be thanked and recognized for their contributions to this work. They have all helped to make the process of writing this dissertation successful. The committee chair, Dr. Clarence Holland,
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