Perceptions of Administrative Support: The View from the Classroom and the Office

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the perception of administrative support from the perspective of teachers and principals. Many teachers who have left the teaching profession stated “lack of administrative support” as their primary reason for leaving. In order to keep those teachers who demonstrated a desire for teaching and encourage them to grow into master teachers, administrators should understand the kinds of administrative support they need. The results of this study demonstrate that teachers need emotional support from their principals followed by social, informational, and physical support in that order. This emotional support could be demonstrated through making a personal connection with teachers, taking the time to show kindness and encouragement so that they will have the strength and determination to endure the novice years and become the veteran teachers our students so desperately need.