Prospective principals for the 21st century: Factors that motivate and inhibit the pursuit of school leadership for educational administration students

The purpose of this study was to examine both the motivators and the inhibitors that influence graduate education students\u27 decisions to either pursue school building-level administration jobs or avoid applying for these positions. Across the country, educational administration programs are producing more than enough graduates to fill every principal or assistant principal position (Levine, 2005). Yet, many of the students completing these programs are not rushing to fill these vacancies. Therefore, this study provides insight on the students in the Educational Leadership Program at The College of William and Mary. The findings of this study may benefit colleges and universities that have similar programs. For this paper, Herzberg, Mausner, and Snyderman\u27s motivation-hygiene theory, Vroom\u27s expectancy theory, and Behling, Labovitz, and Gainer\u27s job choice theory were three job satisfaction theories chosen for an in-depth examination by the researcher. Additionally, the researcher gathered data by using a focus group as well as a survey.;Keywords: educational administration students, job satisfaction, motivators and inhibitors