Principal stress and burnout are at an all-time high.Following the COVID-19 pandemic, 18% to 21% of principals are leaving the profession.This study contributes to growing literature focused on administrator stress and avenues for the retention of principals by investigating the degree to which mindfulness practices can support principal resilience.A quantitative approach to determine principals' mindfulness practices as a predictor of resilience was used.A survey that included the 14-item Langer Mindfulness Scale (LMS14; Langer & Moldoveanu, 2000) and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC; Connor & Davidson, 2003) was emailed to 1,427 principals in the state of Alabama, with 317 acceptable responses (22%).This study found that Alabama principals' mindfulness practices were a predictor of resilience (p < .001).Implications of the study include providing professional development for current principals in positive psychology tools such as mindfulness practices.Educational leadership preparation programs could include more extensive training of mindfulness and wellbeing strategies in their curricula.
