Date of Award
8-2020
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Dr. Theresa Pulos
Second Supervisor
Dr. Katharine Rumrill-Teece
Abstract
The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to develop an understanding of rural elementary principals’ perceptions of isolation. This study posed the question: In what ways do rural elementary principals in Western and Central New York perceive isolation? The research design included semi-structured interviews of a purposeful sample of five rural elementary principals in Western and Central New York. This study utilized the theoretical framework of Ryan and Deci’s (2018) relationship motivation theory. Six themes emerged through transcendental phenomenological analysis: distance divides, power of networks, outsider syndrome, relationships are the foundation, wearing many hats, and building know how. Findings included that rural elementary principals feel a sense of isolation, specifically from social and professional networks. Rural principals who were not teachers in their own district have a sense of being an outsider and leading change in instructional practices is seen as not needed because what has been done in the past works. To offset the lack of networks district superintendents and regional BOCES should examine how to provide regular opportunities for principals to network with each other. Some rural principals motivated themselves to create their own networks. Federal ESSA provides funding for principal development and could be used to support networking and professional development of rural principals (U.S. Department of Education, 2019). Further research of the relationship between the rural elementary principal and their superintendent was recommended.
Recommended Citation
Cazer, Bonnie, "A Phenomenological Study of Rural Elementary Principals in Western and Central New York Perceptions of Isolation" (2020). Education Doctoral. Paper 445.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/445
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.