The challenges and opportunities faced by rural principals often fundamentally differ from those of urban and suburban principals due to geographic and social isolation, low enrollment, and small staff. Recent research, such as the special issue of Peabody Journal of Education (2014) on rural school leadership have explored the unique challenges…

Using qualitative survey data and focus groups, this statewide study explored the experiences of the North Dakota rural principal. The intent of this study was to develop an understanding of the rural principalship in a state with a predominantly rural population and informed by personal experiences of principals. Using qualitative thematic…