Race Against Time: The Effects of Principal Race and Time Use on Teacher Perceptions of Leadership

To examine the relationships between principal time use, race, and teacher perceptions of their school and principal, this study analyzes data from the 2015-2016 NCES National Teacher and Principal Surveys. Data from 31,950 teachers and 5,710 principals were analyzed using ordinal logistic regressions while controlling for principal time use in curricular tasks, student interactions, administrative tasks, parent interactions as well as principal and student population race. Significant findings include that teacher perceptions of their school and principal were significantly related to the racial composition of their school’s student body and/or the principal’s race, but not to principal time use. Implications and recommendations for researchers and school leaders are offered.