Principal Aspirations and Recruitment amidst Leadership Disengagement

The research addresses the problem of principal shortages in a climate of leadership disengagement and why the principalship is becoming a less attractive career option for teachers. It will establish whether the principalship is part of teachers' professional goals and identities, and identify the factors conducive to, or inhibitory of, teachers' principalship aspirations. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to ascertain teachers' anticipated career profiles and leadership role perceptions in Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. Research outcomes should lead to a review and possible redesign of the principal role, and influence significantly the states' succession planning policies and leadership development strategies.