Understanding the complex role of the assistant principal in secondary schools

The assistant principal is often overlooked in school leadership literature, yet in recent years has grown to be a vital part of secondary schools (Marshall & Hooley, 2006). This descriptive study seeks to expand on the work of Marshall and Hooley (2006), which serves as a primer in the study of assistant principals. In an era of increased accountability, this study explores how assistant principals balance the needs of students, teachers, parents, and constituents? This descriptive study seeks to understand the work that secondary school assistant principals do, how assistant principals are trained, the challenges they face, and their job satisfaction in a midsized Midwestern city. This study explores assistant principals from grades six through twelve with various levels of education, experience, and career aspirations to build a deeper understanding of their roles as assistant principals. UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEX ROLE OF THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS 1