A national random sample of senior high school principals evaluated the paper credentials of hypothetical teacher candidates varying both in national origin (Asian, Hispanic, or Native American) and in chronological age (control condition, 29 years old, or 49 years old) for a focal teacher position either in their building (proximal) or in their district (distal). Evaluations were cast in a 3x3x2 completely crossed factorial design and submitted to a MANOVA. Results lend partial support for social distance theory as a framework for explaining screening decisions for certain ethnic groups reporting their chronological age as being either 29 or 49 and increase current knowledge about the teacher selection process. (Contains 5 tables, 4 figures, and 3 footnotes.)