Influences on career choice and professional practice of Hispanic, public K--8 principals

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the factors that Hispanic K-8 principals reported having influenced their choice of career; their reports of what they did as educational leaders in their schools; and their reports of how they acquired those skills.;The focus of the study was on hearing the voices of Hispanic principals themselves. The study was undertaken in reaction to data on the high dropout rate of Hispanic children, attempts to raise their academic achievement level, and reports on the key role of school principals.;The conceptual framework undergirding the study was created by Bolman and Deal in Reframing Organizations (2003). Bolman and Deal posited four conceptual frames from which organizations could be studied. These frames are: structural, human resource, political, and symbolic. Research questions addressing each of these frames were created and from them an interview guide was developed. Data gathered during individual interviews with seven Hispanic principals was transcribed and sorted into emergent categories using open coding (Creswell, 2005). The findings were organized and presented according to the study's research questions.;Human resource frame influences were the ones most abundantly reported by the principals, followed by structural and then political influences. Symbolic frame influences were reported only half as frequently as the other influences. The role of mentors was the single strongest reported influence, stretching across all four frames, and reported by all seven principals. Other significant findings included; learning on the job, desire to create a trusting community, desire to mentor others, use of accountability, and the importance of shared celebrations. An unexpected finding emerged when the principals were asked to give advice for novice principals. All seven reported a strong theme of stress and isolation as part of their jobs, as well as high levels of dedication and commitment to their communities.