Survey: District leaders find work meaningful, but are experiencing high levels of stress

A new study of school and district administrator wellbeing conducted in partnership between Arizona School Administrators (ASA) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) found that most district leaders find their work simultaneously highly meaningful and stressful.

The top stressors identified in the survey were heavy workloads, staffing shortages, Arizona’s political climate and lack of resources and funding. Women leaders reported feeling less prepared for administrative roles, less support from mentors and lower satisfaction with work-life balance compared to male survey respondents. The findings underscore the complex challenges faced by school administrators in Arizona, which likely are contributing to high turnover rates among school and district leaders, as well as teachers, throughout the state.

Workloads, work-life balance

In addition to synthesizing key findings from other national research studies on the subject for background, the researchers conducted a survey of 275 administrators in Arizona. 

The most common stress factors cited by respondents included heavy workloads, staffing shortages, the political climate in Arizona, and lack of resources or funding. Female administrators reported higher stress levels related to workload, deadlines, and respect from staff compared to their male counterparts.

Overall, administrators rated their work-life balance between poor and fair, while females reported lower satisfaction with work-life balance compared to males.

Top reasons given for staying in current position:

• Meaningful work
• Quality relationships with students, staff, and the community
• Feeling compelled to stay due to retirement benefits or a lack of alternative career options
• Despite challenges, some administrators simply enjoy their roles and derive satisfaction from their work

Top reasons given for considering leaving:

• Stress and lack of work-life balance
• Lack of community support and funding
• Politics and public scrutiny 
• Low pay compared to the private sector or neighboring states
• Dissatisfaction with district leadership or governing boards

Recommendations for improvement within districts:

• Promote work-life balance and reduce stress: Encourage policies and practices that support a healthier work-life balance.
• Increase compensation: Advocate for better pay and benefits for administrators and staff.
• Build community and demonstrate gratitude, respect, and trust: Foster a positive work environment through community building and recognition of administrators’ efforts.
• Provide more support: Enhance support systems within districts, including mental health resources and additional staff.

The researchers described the survey findings as illustrating the "urgent need for targeted interventions to support the wellbeing of school and district leaders."

Read the executive summary on the Northern Arizona University website.