Trends and profiles of Catholic elementary school principals of the New York metropolitan area

The investigation of the patterns and trends of Catholic elementary school principalship was conducted in the three New York area dioceses. The total of 311 principals participated in the study; predominantly female and White. The history of their employment reveled that for many the journey to the principalship started in the classroom as teachers. A staggering 67.6% of principals reported they plan to leave their position within 2 to 8 years. They derived their greatest satisfaction from working with people, while financial pressures, the scope of their job and student recruitment were the top stressors of their position. More than 50% of the principals reported they would participate in the interview process for their successor. However, there is an overwhelming need for preparation specifically tailored to the needs of Catholic leaders with solely public education experience.