Preferred Teacher Applicant Characteristics among School Leaders in Twelve Kentucky Rural and Suburban School Districts

Abstract

ABSTRACT We surveyed principals and assistant principals in 12 suburban and rural school districts in Kentucky in order to identify the underlying dimensions of the Preferred Teacher Applicant Characteristics Survey and to examine the relationships between school characteristics, administrator characteristics, and their preferences for teacher applicant characteristics. We identified a four-factor structure, including professional characteristics, personal characteristics, ancillary characteristics, and demographics. Gender was the only significant predictor associated with school leaders’ preference for the personal factor.