The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine teacher morale and leadership practices as perceived within elementary and middle school teachers and between elementary and middle school teachers within one southeast Tennessee system. The literature presents various theories of leadership, and how individuals who practice those theories impact teacher morale, ultimately affecting teacher job satisfaction and attrition rates. Through information obtained from interviews and survey data, the researcher compared the similarities and differences that existed between teachers at the elementary and middle school levels as these pertained to morale and leadership. All teachers participating in this study completed the "Purdue Teacher Opinionaire" (PTO) (Bentley & Rempel, 1980) to provide the researcher insight into teacher morale and the effect that leadership practices have on teachers. In addition, this study included interviews with a representative sample of teachers in the five elementary schools and one middle school involved in this research. The teachers were interviewed to gain their perceptions of morale, job satisfaction, and the various leadership practices that have enhanced or diminished their personal levels of workplace satisfaction. The overall goal of the study was to gain a greater understanding of the factors and leadership practices that build and enhance levels of teacher morale and job satisfaction. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]