To gain an insight into teachers' perceptions of the role and responsibilities of school principals, 143 teachers from a large metropolitan area were surveyed. They were asked to respond to the following four questions: (1) What do you believe are the most important functions of the principal?; (2) What do principals say to teachers are the principals' important functions?; (3) What do principals demonstrate are their important functions?; and (4) What could principals do to make the teachers' job better? An overwhelming majority of teachers responded that the principal's chief role was that of instructional leader. Other important functions included that of building manager, public relations with parents and the community at large, and setting the tone or climate for the school. Administrators communicate to staff that they see their role as one of instructional leader but also report that most of their day is spent in administrative and discipline tasks. There appears to be a dichotomy between what principals say are important functions and what they demonstrate, with teachers reporting that administrators are overly concerned with nonacademic matters almost to the point of neglecting the real purpose of the school, that of educating students. The suggestions made by the teachers include more visibility on the part of the principal, more concern with academic matters, more visits in the classroom, and more support in related matters. (LMS)