Abstract
Problem. School district superintendents have the opportunity to make a significant impact on improving the working lives of school principals, particularly at a time when principal job satisfaction is rapidly deteriorating under the pressures of state and national accountability. As the job of the site principal becomes more complex and demanding, it is important to understand how the practices of superintendents can contribute to the positive job outlook of principals. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the significance of the relationship between superintendent leadership practices, using the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership identified by Kouzes and Posner (2012), and principal job satisfaction. Methodology. For this quantitative correlational study, an online survey of principals in Southern California was used to determine if there was a significant relationship between their superintendents' use of the five practices and their job satisfaction. Findings. The results of the analysis revealed a significant correlation between principal job satisfaction and each of the five variables of model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act, and encourage the heart. Conclusions. When superintendents lead through example, inspiration, risk taking, empowerment, and recognition, they can make a positive and lasting impact on the working lives and job satisfaction of school principals. Recommendations. Provide superintendents with professional development in the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, provide professional development in the five practices for other district office leaders, create opportunities for self- and 360-degree assessments for district leaders, and provide superintendent leadership focused on the five practices to principals of high-poverty schools.