Principals Tackle Teacher Performance

Research provides an undeniable connection between teacher quality and student outcomes. This quantitative study investigated reasons that principals recommend non-renewal of a teacher’s contract and the barriers that challenge their ability to address ineffective teachers.

Data were gathered using a survey that was completed by over 3,200 principals in 35 states over a nine-year time period. Principals are most likely to non-renew a teacher’s contract for incompetence or ethical violations and less likely to do so for lack of student achievement. Principals felt supported by their superintendent and school boards; they identified time and laws protecting teachers as the most significant barriers.

Findings of this study are valuable for superintendents as they plan for the professional development of principals.