School leadership is one of the most important school-related factors that contribute to student learning, so high burnout and turnover rates of principals is concerning. Recent findings from Stiener et al. (2022) highlight significant levels of job-related stress among principals, with twice as many teachers and principals experiencing job-related stress compared to the general workforce while one in three are considering leaving their job. To effectively address stressful job demands and burnout, it is essential to understand contributing factors within principals’ sphere of influence and beyond. This qualitative case study focused on how the ecological factors, spanning from the macro- to micro-levels of society, impact the job-related stress of Vermont secondary school principals (RQ 1), how those principals manage it (RQ 2), and what influences their decisions to stay in their positions (RQ 3). I conducted ten in-depth semi-structured interviews with current Vermont principals, four in-depth semi-structured interviews with Vermont educational leaders (one superintendent, one legislator, two VPA leaders), and a review of policies and state and district websites. Data analysis examined verbatim interview transcripts, reflective and descriptive observation notes, and assessed their alignment with documents from government websites, the Vermont Principals Association (VPA), and the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE).  

Using ecological systems theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) and the transactional model for stress and coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), this case study explores factors from national, state, and community levels of society and their interconnected influence on Vermont principals. Findings include favorable policies with unfavorable resources, limited staffing, expectations and behaviors from society, the impact of technology and the pandemic on culture, communication, and work-life balance. Mindfulness, self-reflective practices, supportive relationships and leadership serve as valuable coping strategies and supports for principals. Moreover, Vermont principals’ love for students and the fulfillment of helping them succeed is an existential belief that acts as a primary motivation which plays a crucial role in their resilience and job satisfaction.  

These findings demonstrate that educational leaders, legislators, and stakeholders have a role in contributing to and mitigating stressful job demands of principals. This study contributes a broader view of job-related stress for principals, indicating that a systemic approach, extending beyond individuals, is needed to address the overall well-being and sustainability of the public education workforce. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.