The role of the superintendent : occupational stress and coping mechanisms as perceived by superintendents in the Education Service Center, Region XIII, Texas /
The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of public school superintendents in the Education Service Center, Region XIII, of Texas, regarding occupational stressors and stress coping mechanisms. A questionnaire was sent to the total population of traditional public school superint...
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
2001.
|
| Subjects: |
| Summary: | The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of public school superintendents in the Education Service Center, Region XIII, of Texas, regarding occupational stressors and stress coping mechanisms. A questionnaire was sent to the total population of traditional public school superintendents who work in the Education Service Center, Region XIII, of Texas. The questionnaire requested that participants provide certain demographic information, ratings of occupational stressors based on perceptions of intensity of effect, and ratings of stress coping mechanisms based on perceptions of frequency of use. The major findings of the research study indicated: 1. As with superintendents across the country, public school superintendents in the Education Service Center, Region XIII, of Texas, experience a significant level of occupational stress. Primary causes of that stress, according to the study, are related to finance and funding, and board of trustee pressures. 2. Getting away from the work environment is a primary mechanism for coping with occupational stress. Physical activities, on the other hand, are not a high priority according to study participants. 3. Demographic variables have a limited impact on occupational stressors, and the coping mechanisms used by superintendents to deal with stress. Based on the study findings, researcher recommendations include: 1. The organizations that support superintendents should consider the development and implementation of wellness programs targeted toward superintendents. Professional development programs also need to consider strands dedicated to coping with occupational stress. 2. Educator preparation programs, mentors, and other seasoned superintendents must encourage inexperienced administrators to take the necessary time to regenerate themselves. School boards need to emphasize the need for superintendents to get away from the job, and encourage them to do so. 3. The organizations that support superintendents need to develop and implement processes for following up with superintendents throughout and after they exit the superintendent position in order to assist those individuals with the transition. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Educational Administration". |
| Physical Description: | x, 100 leaves ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 96-99). |