- Research Brief
School Leadership Pipelines: Trends from the 2025 Tennessee Educator Survey
- By Jacob M. Rubin
Key Findings
- Over the past five years, roughly 9 in 10 school leaders have reported plans to continue in their same role the following school year; principals and assistant principals expect to stay for an average of 6 and 7 more years, respectively
- Approximately one third of administrators reported having a career outside the field of education prior to becoming an administrator
- Assistant principals who reported receiving encouragement from their principal were about twice as likely to report pursuing a principalship.
- About 1 in 4 teachers with an administrative license reported that they were actively pursuing a school leadership role. Male teachers, teachers of color, and teachers working in urban districts and high schools were more likely to report pursuing leadership positions.
Suggested Citation
Rubin, J.M. (2025). School Leadership Pipelines: Trends from the 2025 Tennessee Educator Survey. Tennessee Education Research Alliance.