We tested an emotional labor (EL) model, in the form of surface acting and deep acting, as a mediator in the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and burnout as experienced by public school principals. A questionnaire survey of public-school principals in a Pennsylvania County was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Surface acting was determined to be a partial mediator between EI and burnout. Results indicate a significant negative relationship between EI and surface acting, a significant positive relationship between surface acting and burnout, and a significant negative relationship between EI and burnout. The positive association found between surface acting and burnout emphasizes the importance of consonance of values held by the individual and the organization.